‘I struggle' – Five-time darts world champion drops retirement hint and is ‘not sure how much longer I can keep going'
The Dutchman previously announced plans to retire but then reversed his decision
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.
2
2
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.
"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.
'It's a little bit insane' - Raymond van Barneveld reveals what's going wrong for Michael van Gerwen at the moment
"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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
15 minutes ago
- The Independent
Anthony Joshua teases surprise move into another sport amid Jake Paul showdown talks
Anthony Joshua has taken to social media to make a plea to Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn over a business venture in a different sport. Since turning professional in 2013 Joshua has been attached to the Matchroom banner, a partnership that led to two-time world champion status for the 2012 Olympic gold medallist. Currently sidelined as he recovers from elbow surgery he underwent earlier this year, Joshua appears to be brainstorming ideas for life after boxing, suggesting to Hearn that they tackle football agency together. He posted on his Instagram story: 'Eddie Hearn, the family has conquered darts, snooker, pool, boxing, fishing, golf, owning a football club & you've had a presence in basketball, netball & gymnastics. 'I believe 'we' could look at the football agency industry and have a strong presence. 'Imagine we help manager the player who helped England win the World Cup. 'Call me tomorrow mate.' Eddie Hearn's father, founder of Matchroom Barry Hearn, owned English Football League club Leyton Orient for the best part of two decades, but that is the limit of the family's direct involvement in the sport. However, Matchroom's success across a variety of sports would give them instant authority in the world of football. There has been some overlap with football agencies and promotions in the past, with one of the biggest companies in soccer, Wasserman, buying Team Sauerland and creating Wasserman Boxing in 2021. In May, Joshua confirmed that he was exploring the possibility of buying shares in hometown football club Watford. The Hornets have bounced between the Premier League and Championship over the past 20 years, but whilst Joshua is fond of the club, it appeared to be more of a financial decision. He told Seconds Out: "We wanted to move into private equity, venture capital funds. As you earn, naturally, you want to save. "So rather than me spending recklessly I'm trying to invest money into certain asset classes and that was an opportunity that presented itself. 'Nothing's come of it yet. It's a serious investment. If it comes off it's one that should do well. 'If they went back to the Premier League, then I'd need to get a shop on Market Street because the traffic that would be coming through Watford would be phenomenal. 'If we don't do it then good luck to them anyway because they're a great team." Speculation has surrounded Joshua in recent days, with rumours about his next opponent. Latest Queensberry recruit Tony Yoka is one mooted option, but Jake Paul's camp have claimed that talks with Matchroom have started regarding a potential bout between their fighter and Joshua. DAZN Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more. An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that's just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month. A subscription includes weekly magazine shows, comprehensive fight library, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and podcasts and vodcasts.
BBC News
16 minutes ago
- BBC News
Cambridge study says healthy diets could reduce risk of diabetes
Several healthy diets can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, regardless of a person's ethnicity, a new study has foundResearchers from the University of Cambridge looked at 33 studies on three different diets featuring 826,000 analysis suggested the eating habits, all of which place a focus on consuming more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, "can be promoted across all populations".They said the findings "suggest that major ethnic groups benefit equally from higher adherence to these dietary patterns", although more research is needed for specific populations. Researchers said the Mediterranean diet, the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (Dash) were trialled. The study found that the top 10% who adhered to the diets had a significantly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes happens when the hormone insulin does not work properly, causing high blood sugar. Treatment for the condition could include lifestyle changes such as healthier eating and exercise to help lower review suggested that the Dash diet reduced the risk of developing the condition by 23%, the Mediterranean by 17% and AHEI linked to a 21% lower benefits of following each diet also did not appear to vary across African, Asian, European, and Hispanic ethnic groups, according to added: "This study strengthens the evidence that the Mediterranean, AHEI, and Dash dietary patterns may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes across diverse ethnic groups, and that they can be promoted across all populations."The findings will be presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Vienna in September. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The National
23 minutes ago
- The National
2025 UK Athletics Champs carry more intrigue than they have for years
As always, it's not only British titles on the line, but also places in the GB team for the World Championships, which take place in Tokyo next month. Going into this weekend, two Scots know their ticket to Tokyo is already confirmed. Josh Kerr, as reigning 1500m world champion, has automatic qualification into this year's World Championships and Megan Keith courtesy of her victory at the British 10,000m Championships in June but is absent this weekend, has ensured her place in the British team for the World Championships is also secured. For the rest, however, this weekend is vitally important. Selection is dependent upon athletes having secured World Athletics' qualification mark, as well as finishing inside the top two at this year's UK Championships. A third athlete can also be selected, at the discretion of the British selectors, as long as the athlete has the qualification standard under their belt. With Kerr absent from the 1500m start list - the Olympic silver medallist will instead contest the 5000m this weekend rather than his specialist distance - things are somewhat more open than they may have been otherwise. 2022 world champion, Jake Wightman, has been plagued by injury since winning that world title three years ago but the past few months had suggested the Edinburgh runner was finally approaching something close to full fitness once again. The 31-year-old had been favourite for the British title this weekend but his last-minute withdrawal due to a stomach bug is a blip in his season that he could have done without. Jake Wightmanwas a last-minute withdrawal from the UK Championships (Image: Getty Images) Wightman's withdrawal means that his compatriot, Neil Gourley, is now the Scot with the best chance of victory, with the Glaswegian aiming for his third consecutive and fourth overall British outdoor 1500m title. However, Englishman Elliot Giles will push Gourley hard for top spot. The women's 1500m will be equally interesting. Englishwoman Georgia Hunter Bell has been the stand-out British athlete this summer and as an Olympic medallist and British record holder over the distance, is tipped to successfully defend her 1500m outdoor title that she won for the first time last summer. Former British number one, Laura Muir, will be her closest challenger. Muir's competitive appearances have been few and far between this year due to an injury-hit winter and the Milnathort native has looked some way off her best when she has competed. But despite this, it seems unlikely that Muir won't do enough to book her ticket to Tokyo, even if she doesn't add to the four British outdoor titles she already has to her name. Kilbarchan's Jemma Reelkie will also be on the 1500m start line, as will Glaswegian Erin Wallace. The women's 800m carries a degree of jeopardy for Reekie in terms of World Championships qualification. With 800m Olympic champion, Keely Hodgkinson, missing this British Championships due to injury, assuming she'll be fit come the World Championships, she's all but guaranteed to be the selectors' pick. Which leaves no room for error for Reekie as she aims for a top two spot. Jemma Reekie will be hoping to win the 800m title (Image: Reuters) With Hunter Bell doubling-up and running the 800m as well as the 1500m this weekend, the Englishwoman is tipped to win the 800m British title for the fist time. Taking into account Reekie's experience and pedigree, she's expected to come at least second but with 2024 Olympian Phoebe Gill on the start line, a ticket to Paris is by no means guaranteed for the Scot. Reekie's compatriots, Wallace and Sarah Calvert could also push the favourites hard. In the 3000m steeplechase, new Scottish record holder, Sarah Tait is on for a top two finish but will need to drop nine seconds on her personal best to secure World Championships selection. In the sprints, Alyson Bell and Alisha Rees are in action, Nicole Yeargin is in the 400m while on the field, Nick Percy has already thrown the discus qualifying distance and only needs to finish inside the top two to ensure he's heading to Tokyo.
