Darts legend Raymond van Barneveld has cast serious doubt over his playing future following a stunning and comprehensive first-round exit from the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
A Historic Upset on the Ally Pally Stage
The five-time world champion, who famously won the title on his debut in 2007, was unceremoniously dumped out in straight sets by Switzerland's Stefan Bellmont on Wednesday night. This marked a historic moment, as Bellmont became the first Swiss player ever to win a match at the prestigious tournament.
Van Barneveld, 58, admitted he was left "suffering" and clueless about his next steps after winning just two legs in a match many had tipped him to win. "I thought I had a nice draw. That's what everybody was telling me before the game," the devastated Dutchman told ViaPlay. "Everybody was wrong."
"He Hit Every Double" - Van Barneveld's Frustration
The veteran heaped praise on his opponent's performance, acknowledging Bellmont's superior finishing. "He played a great match. He deserved to win," Van Barneveld conceded. He pinpointed a crucial moment in the second set where he missed three darts at double top, which would have levelled the set. "From that moment he basically hit every double... I missed them and it was 2-0 for him instead of 1-1."
Van Barneveld also revealed a disconnect between his practice form and his performance on stage, a frustration familiar to many athletes. "Whenever I was practising at my office I played really well... The only problem is with practising you play your own rhythm," he explained, noting that Bellmont's slower pace disrupted his game.
An Emotional Admission About His Future
Following what he called a "very poor year," the defeat has prompted deep reflection. This marks a sixth successive World Championship where he has failed to reach the quarter-finals, a stark contrast to his former glories.
"I'm out. It has been a very poor year for me," Van Barneveld stated. "I need to regroup myself. 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."
The emotional toll of consistent defeats was laid bare in his post-match comments. "I wonder what to do because suffering every week from all the defeats is not what I want," he admitted. "He doesn't even have a Tour Card and to only win two legs, that says it all. I have got homework to do and have to find out what to do next. But, this one hurts, that's obvious."
While stopping short of a formal announcement, Van Barneveld's words represent the clearest indication yet that his storied career, which includes that famous 2007 debut victory, may be nearing its end. The darts world now waits to see if the legendary Dutchman will return to the oche.
