Has ‘Father Time’ caught up with Van Barneveld as uncertainties regarding his future surface
Raymond van Barneveld has stated he will reflect on “what’s next?” after suffering defeat in his opening match at the World Darts Championship for the second consecutive year. Van Barneveld was overwhelmed 3-0 by Stefan Bellmont of Switzerland on Wednesday, managing to win only two legs, and is expected to drop significantly from his current position of 35th in the rankings after the tournament concludes.
The 58-year-old previously retired from darts at the start of 2020 but made a comeback after a year away and returned to the top 32. Nevertheless, he has found it challenging to deliver his best performances on prominent stages, which frustrates the five-time world champion.
“I’m coming off a very disappointing year. I need to reassess myself,” he shared with Dutch TV channel Viaplay. “It’s tough to determine what comes next. On the practice board, I perform like a five-time world champion, perhaps even a ten-time one.
“But during the matches, things simply aren’t going my way. And the reason? I genuinely don’t know. I can’t provide an answer, to be honest.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Raymond van Barneveld makes his entrance to the 2026 World Darts Championship
Van Barneveld has secured two Players Championship titles since his return in 2021; however, apart from reaching the semi-finals at the 2022 Grand Slam of Darts, he has seldom displayed his true form at major televised tournaments.
He remarked: “Naturally, this is painful. This marks the second consecutive time this has happened to me. I find myself pondering how to proceed. I contemplate my next steps since enduring defeats weekly is not what I desire. That’s clear.” He lacks a tour card, and managing to win only two legs speaks volumes. I have work to do and need to figure out my next course of action. But this one definitely stings.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Stefan Bellmont defeats Raymond van Barneveld in the opening round of the World Darts Championship
Durrant: Father Time catching up with Van Barneveld Van Barneveld, a professional darts player since 1984, has not progressed to the quarter-finals at the World Championship since 2018. Former Premier League Darts champion and Sky Sports Darts analyst Glen Durrant states, “it’s challenging to maintain such longevity,” yet believes Van Barneveld will continue to compete in 2026. “It’s challenging to step away. Barney might be practicing excellently. I’ve seen him at exhibitions where he seemed genuinely joyful and performed wonderfully,” Durrant noted.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Reflect on when Raymond van Barneveld achieved an extraordinary nine-darter against Brendan Dolan at the World Darts Championship in 2010
“You continuously hold on to that hope and expectation. Father Time ultimately catches up with you. Your vision deteriorates, and there are times when you feel discomfort and soreness.” He will face some introspection. He knows the answers. He has retired once and returned to win tournaments, hence he has a significant choice ahead of him. “I can’t envision him stepping away because darts has never thrived as it does currently.” Who will take the title at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Catch every match live exclusively until Saturday, January 3, on Sky Sports’ dedicated darts channel. Stream darts and more premier sports with NOW.
Published: 2025-12-17 23:25:00
source: www.skysports.com
