VINCENT VAN DER VOORT has slammed the “flawed” World Grand Prix qualification system after Raymond van Barneveld clung onto a spot at the major.
Five-time world champ Van Barneveld has made just TWO quarter-finals on the ProTour this year despite featuring in 38 events.
GettyRaymond van Barneveld’s inclusion in the World Grand Prix has drawn mixed reaction[/caption]
Van Barneveld has not been in great form, but qualified for the tournament through his rankingGetty
‘Barney’ scraped into Leicester in 15th spot on the World Grand Prix ProTour Order of Merit with £75,000 — just £1,500 clear of the drop in 17th.
Former pro Van der Voort reckons his Dutch compatriot only booked a spot into the tournament thanks to his ranking rather than recent results.
He said: “If you look at how Raymond qualified, it was probably off the back of just two quarter-finals.
“There are players who’ve performed much better but didn’t make it simply because they’re not high enough in the ProTour rankings.
“I’m happy for Raymond, but the system is completely flawed.
“Something really has to change. The players’ union needs to step in here, because this just isn’t right.”
World No.34 Van Barneveld reached the last eight of the Swiss Darts Trophy this past weekend before being dumped out by Stephen Bunting.
Van der Voort believes Van Barneveld benefited from the draw and some favourable moments in Basel.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
He added: “He faced someone in the first round who wasn’t particularly strong. That makes a big difference.
“Heta had a match dart, but Raymond managed to pull off the win.
“Then Ross Smith dropped out, so he ended up playing Ritchie Edhouse. Sometimes things just go your way.”
‘The Dutch Destroyer’ also claimed the 58-year-old struggled to sustain top form across the Euro Tour weekend and warned that his preparation habits could be holding him back.
He continued: “I told him he needs to speed up his game, use shorter shafts, tighten everything up.
“But that’s hard to sustain – especially at his age. When your level dips, it starts to look like you’re just scraping by.
“He’s still got plenty of talent, so it’s passable – but not as sharp as it should be.
“He’s always been someone who warms up for ages – sometimes even three hours before a match.
“But as you get older and your energy wanes, you have to pace yourself better.
“Maybe he should actually throw less in warm-up and save his energy for the match itself. But that’s a tough habit to break when you’ve done it your whole career.”
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
