Raymond van Barneveld slams 'madness' darts schedule as Dutch legend admits he can't keep pace
Tired Raymond van Barneveld says he simply now can't keep up with the madness of the darts schedule.
The Dutch legend has returned from one retirement to get back onto the PDC scene and is still winning games at the age of 58. But multiple World Champion Barney accepts the sands of time are running as low as the energy levels as he considers taking a fresh step back from the gruelling programme.
He said: 'Starting next year, I really need to slow things down. It's all becoming a bit too much. 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. I've been doing this for 40 years now and I still love it. 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.'
Competition becomes fiercer each week with the likes of Luke Littler and Luke Humphries lifting the standards and he continued: 'I do struggle with that. It takes a lot of mental energy. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep going.
"At some point, you have to be honest with yourself. I have amazing sponsors, great people supporting me, but I'm also 58. I still love it and I hope I can keep going for as long as possible.
"But, like I said, the mind still wants it, the body not always.'
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