LEGEND Raymond van Barneveld has hinted that he only has two or three years left in the sport.
The five-time world champion showed his class to beat Chris Dobey in the Dutch Masters with a wonderful 144 finish on Friday night.
RexRaymond van Barneveld has opened up about his future in darts[/caption]
RexThe 57-year-old beat Chris Dobey in a Dutch Masters thriller on Friday night[/caption]
Barney, 57, then revealed after the clash that he might be ready to quit again, six years after retiring and then returning to the sport two years later.
He said: “Maybe only two or three years left in me.
“Don’t get me wrong. [it’s a pleasure] to play in your own country.
“Germany, United Kingdom, it doesn’t matter. They all support the Barney Army.
“But here, I’m looking forward to tomorrow night. It’s going to be mental, sold out already.”
Barney was an underdog heading into the contest with World No. 10 Dobey, but sealed the match with a stunning three-dart checkout.
He continued: “Wow, what a game. I’m so over the moon with this win.
“I was struggling for a year now and finally [things paid off]. I said 144, trip, trip and then double 12 went in.
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“I could have taken the first leg and that was worrying me. Then 3-1 down, then 3-3.
“I thought ‘Come on Ray I can do this’. Chris was a semi-finalist at the Worlds but I can do this if I keep putting him under pressure.
“But he was playing really good. He took his moments. That last leg.
“I started well with the 140. I’m thinking never give up.
“Just before I hit that 144 in my country, I’m thinking I’m going to do this for everyone here. And wow it went in.”
Barney now faces old pal Stephen Bunting in the quarter-finals tonight in Den Bosch.
Raymond van Barneveld’s trophy cabinet
Raymond van Barneveld has enjoyed a stunning career since turning pro in 1987.
The Dutchman initially joined the BDO, before signing up to the PDC in 2006.
He has since gone on to become one of the most successful players in darts history.
World Championship: Five-time World Champion (four BDO, one PDC)
UK Open: Two-time winner
Grand Slam of Darts: Winner 2012
Premier League: Winner 2014
Las Vegas Desert Classic: Winner 2007
World Cup of Darts: Four-time champion
World Masters: Two-time winner
International Darts League: Three-time winner
World Darts Trophy: Two-time winner
Zuiderduin Darts Masters: Three-time winner
European Darts Open: Winner 2012
He added: “I love Stephen, we get along fine together for long years.
“It’s going to be a great game.
“But for now I’m going to enjoy this, I’m really proud of myself.”
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