DARTS icon Raymond van Barneveld has announced his intention to gradually close out his playing days.
The Dutchman has enjoyed a career which has so far spanned over 40 years.
GettyRaymond van Barneveld has announced his plans to wind down from darts[/caption]
RexVan Barneveld admitted he sometimes struggles with the physical demands of the tour[/caption]
During that time, Van Barneveld has accrued five World Darts Championship titles and established himself as one of the greats.
But his time in the sport is coming to an end.
Speaking to Sportnieuws.nl recently, the 58-year-old revealed that he intends to start winding down later this year.
He said: “Of course, you want to make the Matchplay. But starting next year, I really need to slow things down. It’s all becoming a bit too much.”
Van Barneveld suggested that he may reduce the amount of events he plays at starting in the near future.
He continued: “Maybe cut back on the Pro Tours. I’ll keep playing the Euro Tours as long as I’m in the top 16. But let’s be honest, the schedule is madness — it barely leaves any time to rest.”
The Dutchman also admitted that he now finds it difficult keeping up with the physical demands of the tour.
“I’ve been doing this for forty years now, and I still love it,” he said.
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“When you’re up there warming up and hear the crowd — it gives you an incredible feeling of pride.
“But while the mind is still willing, the body doesn’t always follow. That’s the tough part.
“I do struggle with that. It takes a lot of mental energy. I’m not sure how much longer I can keep going.”
Van Barneveld initially announced plans to retire after losing to Darin Young in the first round of the 2020 World Championship.
However, just one year later, he reversed his decision and returned to the oche.
Since then, the former World Champion has been competing regularly at events.
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