In a night that will linger in the memories of darts fans, five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld suffered a heartbreaking early exit from the PDC World Darts Championship at London’s Alexandra Palace. The 58-year-old Dutch icon, affectionately known as “Barney,” was comprehensively outplayed by Switzerland’s Stefan Bellmont in the first round, falling to a 3-0 defeat while managing to win just two legs across the entire match. The result not only marked a second consecutive first-round loss at the Worlds for van Barneveld but also reignited intense speculation about his future in the sport he has dominated for decades.
Van Barneveld’s entrance to the iconic strains of “Eye of the Tiger” electrified the crowd as always, with the Ally Pally faithful roaring in support of one of the game’s true legends. Starting strongly, he claimed the opening leg with a crisp 14-darter, hinting at the vintage form that once made him unstoppable. Yet, what followed was a stark contrast. Bellmont, ranked 111th in the world and without a PDC Tour card, seized control with ruthless efficiency, stringing together eight consecutive legs at one point. The Swiss star’s clinical finishing on doubles—hitting key opportunities while van Barneveld struggled—proved decisive, even as the Dutchman posted a slightly higher three-dart average of 92.50 compared to Bellmont’s 91.36.
This victory etched Bellmont’s name into darts history as the first Swiss player to win a match at the World Championship, a milestone he celebrated with visible pride. For van Barneveld, however, the defeat was a brutal reminder of the challenges facing him in the twilight of his illustrious career. Currently ranked 35th in the PDC Order of Merit, he has endured a difficult year on the ProTour, suffering multiple early exits in televised majors and reaching only one quarter-final in floor events. The loss is expected to push him further down the rankings, compounding the frustrations of a season where flashes of brilliance have been overshadowed by inconsistency.
In the immediate aftermath, van Barneveld appeared visibly emotional, his demeanor fueling concerns among fans and pundits alike. Speaking candidly, he admitted the pain of the performance: “It’s very difficult to answer what’s next. On the practice board I’m a five-time world champion, maybe even ten-time. But during the matches it just is not going my way. And why not? I don’t know. I can’t answer that, really.” His words captured the exasperating gap between his home practice, where he still feels capable of world-beating darts, and the pressure of the big stage, where results have eluded him.
This isn’t the first time retirement whispers have surrounded van Barneveld. He previously stepped away from the sport at the start of 2020 following another early World Championship exit, only to make a triumphant return a year later via Qualifying School. That comeback saw him reclaim a spot in the top 32 and even secure tournament wins, proving his enduring talent. Yet, at 58, the physical and mental toll is undeniable. Commentators have noted how age can impact even the greatest: eyesight changes, minor aches, and the relentless modern darts calendar all play a role in a “downward trajectory” that makes recovery increasingly tough.
Van Barneveld’s legacy, however, remains untarnished. With five world titles—four in the BDO era and the historic 2007 PDC crown that saw him defeat Phil Taylor in an epic final—he stands alongside the all-time greats like Eric Bristow. His crossover from BDO to PDC helped revolutionize the sport, inspiring a generation of players, including young stars who grew up idolizing him. His multiple nine-dart finishes, Premier League triumph in 2014, and countless memorable moments have cemented his status as a pioneer, particularly in the Netherlands, where he elevated darts to national prominence.
As he heads into an extended off-season—his next potential competitive outing not until late January—van Barneveld faces a profound decision. He has spoken openly about the mental strain: “No one wants to suffer every week, this one hurts.” While he hasn’t ruled out continuing, the emotional weight of performances like this one suggests a crossroads. Fans have flooded social media with tributes, some urging him to bow out on his terms, others hoping for one last surge. Whatever path he chooses, van Barneveld’s impact on darts is eternal—a fighter who rose to the top through sheer determination, leaving behind a trail of thrilling battles and unbreakable spirit.
The World Championship continues without one of its most beloved figures, but the question lingers: will Barney return for one more roar under the Ally Pally lights, or has Father Time finally caught up with the legend?
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