Van Barneveld drops huge retirement hint after “worst year” of career

RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD has dropped a huge retirement hint after admitting he has endured the “worst year” of his career.

The five-time world champion made just ONE quarter-final on the ProTour this season and has failed to qualify for the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, and World Series Finals.

Van Barnveled, 59, has now admitted he is questioning whether he wants to carry on at the oche.

He told Viaplay: “Let me start by saying it’s been a really bad year.

“I can calmly say it’s the worst year of my career.

“It’s obviously not as smooth as it once was.

“I’m still capable enough to win my matches, but it’s one or two and then it kind of stops.

“Do you want to continue like that? That’s what you have to ask yourself.”

The Dutch legend suffered a first-round World Championship exit last year, losing 3-0 to world No127 Stefan Bellmont.

But Barney is desperate to return to Ally Pally this Christmas and put that disappointment right before deciding what comes next.

He added: “There will be a day when you look in the mirror and say, ‘Was that it?’

“I don’t want to say that now.

“I want to give everything to make the Worlds.

“If I don’t make the Worlds, then of course you have to scratch your head: what now?

“Because do you want another year like that? You’ve basically dropped out of all the rankings.”

Van Barneveld was also on punditry duty for ITV at the recent World Series Finals in Amsterdam, where he impressed in his role.

The former Premier League champion has started considering what his future could look like away from chucking arrows.

He continued: “We can obviously do a lot more in business, clinics, maybe some motivational speeches.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning