RAYMOND Van Barneveld has dropped a big retirement hint – and revealed what he could do after darts.
The four-time world champion still features regularly on the Pro Tour.
Raymond van Barneveld has discussed his potential retirementGetty
He admits he is finding it difficult to keep up with the demands of the Tour and the number of tournaments, and accepts he may have to step away from the sport if results wane.
But for now the world No.34 is focused on playing at as many events as possible, and feels he can still compete at the highest levels.
Speaking to Boyle Sports, who offer the latest darts betting, Van Barneveld said: “At the moment, I’m 58, so I’m thinking about 60, 61, but if I still like it, why not continue?
“I gave up a couple of years ago and I really missed it. I must be honest, the schedule is murder at the moment.
“It’s really a lot because the PDC organises the Pro Tours mid-week. Normally, it was on the weekend, the Pro Tour, then one weekend later, a Euro tour, or a major and never the Pro Tours midweeks.
“Now they do the Pro Tours midweek and on the weekend, the Euro Tours or Majors. So it’s really a lot.
“I heard a lot of players complaining and they skip sometimes when it’s possible, but I’m not in a position to skip, because I’m number 34 in the world at the moment so I need to play all and everything and hoping for good results.
“If I have the feeling I can’t continue anymore, that I can’t win my first rounds anymore, on the Pro Tour as well then that will probably be the last of me.”
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Barney, 58, is considering his next steps should he quit professional darts however.
He is keen to run a course teaching the sport, though could have a number of irons in the fire.
The Dutchman continued: “I’m thinking I’m going to give online courses but I still have to work it out how.
“But it looks nice for me, maybe players from Singapore, or New Zealand, or wherever they come from, and they can join in for lessons.
“I can ask for a subscription fee, maybe monthly, and then answer their questions, and help them with setups and stuff, so maybe that’s a good idea and a little bit of TV work. And doing exhibitions.”
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