Raymond van Barneveld Eyes Quarter-Final Upset Against Stephen Bunting

Dutch darts legend Raymond van Barneveld is looking forward to his quarter-final matchup against Stephen Bunting at the Dutch Darts Masters.

Raymond van Barneveld expressed his desire to enjoy darts again after securing a spectacular win over Chris Dobey at the Dutch Darts Masters tournament on Friday. Van Barneveld's recent performances have been impacted by a nagging illness, which followed a disappointing World Championship outing in December. The 57-year-old former five-time world champion has been recovering from a severe flu and even considered canceling his participation in the Dutch Darts Masters.

Van Barneveld revealed that he had a heart-to-heart conversation with himself after the World Championship, acknowledging that his performance was subpar. “After the last World Championship I had a good talk with myself,” he said during the post-game press conference. “It was unwatchable. I haven't been feeling 100 percent for about a month, I caught a severe flu and even considered not coming this weekend.” However, Van Barneveld made a conscious decision to adopt a more positive mindset and focus on enjoying the game.

Van Barneveld's newfound approach is centered on savoring the experience and having fun. “But I told myself: 'I am just gonna enjoy this coming year',” he said. “Just enjoy the game.” With this mindset, Van Barneveld aims to make the most of his remaining time in the sport, which he estimates to be around two or three years.

Raymond van Barneveld is experiencing a resurgence of joy in his darts game, thanks in part to the supportive crowd at the Dutch Darts Masters in 's Hertogenbosch. Van Barneveld, who hasn't won a televised tournament since the 2018 Darts World Cup, has been struggling to find his enthusiasm for the sport. However, the home tournament has brought out the best in him. “I should be grateful for being able to play some tournaments, among which this fantastic tournament with this unbelievable crowd,” he said.

Van Barneveld's carefree approach to the game has been a key factor in his improved performance. “The crazy thing is that I felt quite happy tonight,” he revealed. “I thought: 'Come on, just throw. If it doesn't feel good, it's okay.'” This mindset allowed him to stay focused and composed, even in the face of intense pressure. Van Barneveld's thrilling 6-5 victory over Chris Dobey was capped off by an impressive finish from 144 out.

The satisfaction of executing a difficult finish was evident on Van Barneveld's face, and he couldn't help but feel proud of himself. “After that 144... I got a smile on my face and it was pretty weird, because I don't have this often,” he admitted. Van Barneveld's delight was compounded by the fact that he had barely practiced in the lead-up to the tournament. “To finish 144 with a 5-5 score, that's class and I'm proud of myself for that because I haven't done anything the past month. I barely picked up a dart. I think Wednesday was the first time I picked up a dart again.”

Raymond van Barneveld has set a timetable for himself as he navigates the twilight years of his illustrious darts career. With nearly 30 years of professional experience under his belt, Van Barneveld is determined to make the most of his remaining time in the sport. “You work towards the World Championship for a whole year and eventually it doesn't fit,” he said, reflecting on his recent struggles. “I got plenty of chances. I didn't have a fighting spirit, I didn't have energy, I had absolutely nothing and eventually that cost me the world Championship.”

Van Barneveld has given himself a two-to-three-year window to continue competing at a high level. His primary focus now is on enjoying the experience and relishing the opportunities that come his way. “I told myself that I have maybe two or three years left in me so just go out there and enjoy it like I can,” he said. This mindset was evident as he took to the stage in front of a raucous crowd, who eagerly cheered him on with the iconic “Barney Army” chant.

The electric atmosphere and outpouring of support from the crowd left Van Barneveld visibly moved. “What a fantastic crowd and how fantastic it is to be in my own country,” he exclaimed. “I had to swallow during that walk-on with the 'Barney Army', my kids were here... I thought to myself: 'Wow, there aren't many out there who can do this' and as long as I can do that, I will give that and who knows how much will come from it.”

No Underestimating Bunting

Raymond van Barneveld is gearing up to face Stephen Bunting in the quarter-finals of the Dutch Darts Masters on Saturday. Despite being the underdog, Van Barneveld is confident in his abilities and refuses to count himself out of the contest. “I will try everything to get as much out of it as possible and continue it as long as possible, because we all know I have it in me,” he said.

Van Barneveld is drawing on his past experiences and the wisdom of his grandmother to fuel his determination. “Tomorrow, we get Stephen Bunting and then, too, I'm not hopeless,” he noted. “When I get enough rest, I have faith in myself, and I work hard, everything is possible.” His grandmother's words of encouragement have stayed with him throughout his career: “Raymond, if you want it, you can do everything.”

Van Barneveld's self-belief has been a driving force behind his success, and he cites his own rags-to-riches story as proof of his capabilities. “And believe me, this little boy had nothing growing up, and now I have five crosses on my shirt just by visualising and by telling myself that I can do it,” he said. The thrill of his recent 144 finish has also rekindled his passion for the sport, leaving him feeling elated. “And tonight with that 144, that gave me so much happiness... I hadn't experienced that in years.”