Raymond van Barneveld's hopes for success at the PDC World Darts Championship were shattered on Saturday night as the five-time world champion fell to Nick Kenny, who triumphed with a 3-1 victory. The match, held at London's Alexandra Palace, marked yet another painful chapter for the seasoned player, who admitted to struggling with flu-like symptoms leading up to the event.
Kenny, ranked 76th in the world, began the confrontation with determination, asserting himself quickly. The Welshman took the first set after needing seven darts to seal the win, capitalizing on van Barneveld's uncharacteristically lackluster performance. "I had to dig deep, but this was the biggest win of my life," said Kenny following the match, his eyes glistening with emotion.
Vincent van der Voort, another notable player and fellow countryman of van Barneveld, was shocked by his friend's lackluster display. “It was really disappointing. He didn’t seem to put up much of a fight or display any energy. It wasn't the Raymond we know,” van der Voort commented on his podcast, WK Darts Draait Door, expressing concern over van Barneveld's long-term career prospects.
Van Barneveld acknowledged his struggle with health prior to the match, stating, “I’ve been feeling sick for three days, but I didn’t want to say anything on camera because I didn’t want to seem like I was making excuses.” Despite his efforts to prepare physically—taking vitamins and avoiding contact to prevent illness—his body let him down during the match, leading to feelings of defeat. "I was physically drained. I had not the strength to turn the tide, and it felt like I was just going through the motions," he reflected.
The match itself turned grim for van Barneveld as he switched darts four times, which he admitted was indicative of his wavering confidence. “It was strange. I threw well during warm-ups, but as soon as I stepped on stage, everything disappeared,” he lamented. This sentiment was echoed after his defeat when he stated, “I felt zero energy and no drive to fight. It was just so disappointing.”
With speculation swirling around his future, van Barneveld opened up about his wrestling doubts. “If I don’t feel like I can win anymore, what’s the reason to keep going?” he pondered. Following this tournament, he has considerable reflection to do, even admitting, “I have to question if I want to keep experiencing these humiliations.”
The thoughts of van der Voort echoed those of many fans when he added, “It breaks my heart to see someone so great not be able to show his true self on such big occasions.” It seems the emotional impact of this loss may weigh heavily for van Barneveld, leaving him to wonder about his place and legacy within the sport.
Despite the struggles, van Barneveld is not ready to fold just yet. He stated clearly, “I must keep playing. I have to bring back joy and maintain my sponsorships. I’m reliant on those endorsements to enjoy life with my wife.” Through the haze of disappointment, he remains resolved to try again next year.
Following his victory, Kenny expressed excitement for his next match against reigning champion Luke Humphries, saying: “It's surreal. Facing someone like him is what I relished.” With both players reflecting contrasting fortunes, the outcome of the match serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of competitive sports.
Kenny’s win signifies not merely advancement but also retention of his Tour Card, ensuring his place on the Pro Tour for another year. With his back against the wall during the contest, achieving this milestone stands to provide him with renewed energy and hope for his future games.
Raymond van Barneveld's narrative is not over, for he remains determined to qualify for future events. “I hope to be back at the World Championships next year,” he stated, reinforcing his commitment to the game. Only time will tell if he can reclaim his past glory or if new legends will rise to take the spotlight.
The sportsmanship exhibited by both players, coupled with the harsher realities of competition, paints the dart scene as not only one of skill but also of resilience and tenacity. Both Kenny and van Barneveld encapsulate these values, albeit on vastly different trajectories. Fans eagerly await what’s next, not just for Nick Kenny but for the legendary Raymond van Barneveld as well.”
