Van Barneveld admits ‘panic’ will set in if he slides down world rankings

Raymond van Barneveld has admitted that if he slides down to 24th in the rankings that panic could set in but for the five-time world champion is currently not very concerned about his position on the world rankings.

However, he knows what to expect. "If I go down to 24th, there is panic.'' Earlier this week, Van Barneveld attended the presentation of the new products of manufacturer Target Darts. Live Darts spoke with the Dutchman, who has been under contract with the English supplier of darts since July 2017.
"I played with the new darts at the World Matchplay and the World Series. It is fantastic and I am increasingly confident. At this moment I am still looking at what weight is the best. I am going to practice alot in the coming weeks, because that is very important now."
These practice sessions have to pay off during the Players Championship tournaments. Van Barneveld has not yet been qualified for the Players Championship Finals in Minehead.
"I did not make it to the Champions League of Darts and I will miss the European Championship. I will play two Players Champions in Barnsley and also in Ireland. Hopefully I will therefore play at the Players Championship Finals. Of course I play the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam or Darts and the World Championship, that's fine for me. "

Retain position on the world ranking

Van Barneveld will therefore have to work hard in the coming months to maintain his position on the PDC Order of Merit. If that does not work, then 'Barney' must show his play more often in the floor tournaments next year. "At the moment I am number twelve in the world and I do not have a wildcard for the Premier League. So I have to defend 80,000 pounds at the World Championship. If I do not do that well, I will go to position 24. Yes, then there is panic and I will have to play more on the Pro Tour."