Raymond van Barneveld finally notched a much-needed win on the UK Open stage on Friday afternoon, edging out Czech player Karel Sedlacek 6-5 in a thriller. The 58-year-old Dutchman survived multiple match darts against him before battling back from 5-2 down, forcing a deciding 11th leg where he showed his experience to seal the victory. The relief was clearly visible for the five-time world champion, who had lost all four of his previous meetings with Sedlacek.
Van Barneveld admitted the match was anything but smooth, struggling to bring his practice level to the stage. “I thought: how is this possible?” he said candidly afterwards. “Behind the scenes it often goes well, but once you’re on that stage, sometimes it’s one 60 after another. Still, I kept fighting. I kept believing. In the set-up and in myself. It goes 5-5 and the last leg was just fine.” The win comes at an important moment after a poor season start; in the first six tournaments of the year, Van Barneveld bowed out in the first round five times, with averages hovering around the eighties.
Despite recent struggles and external suggestions he might quit, Van Barneveld refuses to give up. “It’s still just so much fun,” he stressed. “There is nothing better or more thrilling than standing on that stage with the crowd behind you.” He explained that in-match frustration can give the impression he has lost joy, but added, “That’s because you often fall flat on your face. But I’m super happy with this win. We can build on this.”
When Van Barneveld says “we,” he refers to a striking new partnership with former top footballer Rafael van der Vaart, who has offered to guide him. Van der Vaart, a huge darts fan, sees ways to help Van Barneveld rediscover his form. “He texted me this afternoon,” the darter said. “His father Ramon and some people around them are going to draw up a plan for me next week. I’m very curious to see what that will be.” Van Barneveld is visibly touched by the involvement, stating, “I’m really moved by the enthusiasm of these people. That people like Rafael care about me makes me happy and proud.”
Van Barneveld ultimately lost 10-1 to Wessel Nijman in the fourth round of the UK Open, but thanks to the win over Sedlacek and Van der Vaart’s proposal, he once again has something to hold on to. He concluded, “Fantastic, lovely people. It means a lot to me that they’re working with me. Whether a lot or nothing comes of it, they’ve won my heart for the rest of my life.”
