It was said that Van Barneveld despite him sliding down towards 28th on the
PDC Order of Merit was given the opportunity due to it being his final year and his commercial value.
He took to Twitter after the announcement saying that he respects those who think he doesn’t deserve it but that he hopes to show the true Barney in his final year in professional darts.
’I know some people think I don’t deserve it and I respect that. Maybe one day you are eager for one more chance too after a terrible time, I hope you also get that chance then.’
He added: ‘I will show the true Barney in 2019!’
https://twitter.com/Raybar180/status/1080235753353998336?s=20