INTERVIEW: Barney faces tough opening game at CLoD: 'Heavy, but not impossible'

Raymond van Barneveld makes his debut on the Champions League of Darts this weekend. The top-8 of the PDC Order of Merit has been invited to the second staging of the tournament in Cardiff.
The Champions League of Darts is launched in a group system. The eight players are divided into two groups, the numbers one and two after the group stage continue to the knockout phase. In terms of format, it looks like the Grand Slam of Darts, an event where Van Barneveld has come into action ten times in the past.
The Dutchman has a good record at the Grand Slam, as he came out of the group stage eight times. In an interview with Dartsnews.com, 'Barney' confirms that he is in favor of this formula.
"When I was playing at the BDO, my former manager and I have set up two tournaments in the Netherlands, including the International Darts League (IDL). We wanted to do something apart and we looked for a way you could play more often. "
"We then came out with a formula of eight groups of four players. With this format you play more games, which are attractive to the sponsors. So I'm in favor of this system. "
At the Champions League of Darts, Van Barneveld expects a heavier task than during his participation in the Grand Slam of Darts. The 50-year-old from The Hague is playing in a group with Michael van Gerwen, Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis.
"I know what to do, that's my best and keep going. My first game is against Michael and you can expect him to reach his level. Michael is always a heavy task to play, but not impossible."

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