Darts icon Raymond van Barneveld faced a disappointing start to his 2024 Pro Tour season at Players Championship 2, recording his lowest-ever PDC Pro Tour average and winning just one match. Despite recent support and high hopes, his performance, including a 6-1 loss with a dismal 69.39 average, has left fans questioning whether this marks the beginning of a decline or a temporary setback before a potential comeback in upcoming European Tour qualifiers.
A Disappointing Return to the Oche
Darts legend Raymond van Barneveld, affectionately known as “Barney,” recently made his return to competitive action, but it was far from the triumphant comeback many fans had hoped for. His participation at Players Championship 2 was met with criticism, particularly after he reportedly opted for an exhibition appearance over other tournaments. Unfortunately, his performance did little to silence his detractors.
The Players Championship 2 Nightmare
Barney’s journey at Players Championship 2 was brief and challenging. Here’s a quick look at his results:
- Opening Match (Players Championship 1): Lost 6-2 to newly minted Tour Card holder Tom Sykes. This defeat underscored his struggles and current form.
- Players Championship 2 Attempt:
- Round 1: Defeated teenager Yorick Hofkens 6-3. This single victory offered a glimmer of hope.
- Round 2: Lost decisively to Owen Bates. This match proved to be a significant low point.
A Career Low: The Numbers Don’t Lie
The defeat to Owen Bates was particularly harsh, not just for the scoreline but for the statistics it produced. Van Barneveld lost 6-1 and recorded a shockingly poor average of 69.39. This wasn’t just a bad day at the office; it was a significant moment in his illustrious career:
- Worst Pro Tour Average: This 69.39 average stands as Raymond van Barneveld’s lowest-ever recorded average on the PDC Pro Tour.
- Poor Season Start: It marked an incredibly disappointing beginning to his Pro Season, a stark contrast to the expectations surrounding him.
Coming into this year, there had been a wave of optimism and support for Van Barneveld. He was even seen having coffee with former professional footballer Rafael van der Vaart, who has expressed a strong desire to help turn Barney’s career fortunes around. Such high-profile backing had fueled hopes for a resurgence.
What Lies Ahead for ‘Barney’?
This recent streak of poor results raises critical questions about the future of the five-time World Champion. Is this the beginning of the end for one of darts’ most beloved figures, or is it merely a temporary slump before a dramatic resurgence?
Fans of “Barney” will undoubtedly be holding their breath, hoping for a much-improved performance in his upcoming commitments. The immediate focus will be on the European Tour Tour Card Holder Qualifiers, where the plan is to secure qualification for the first two Euro Tour events of the year: the Poland Darts Masters and the European Darts Trophy. A strong showing there could be crucial in rebuilding confidence and putting his season back on track.
The darting world watches eagerly to see if Raymond van Barneveld can defy the odds once again and prove that his fighting spirit is far from extinguished.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
