Van Barneveld succumbed to a fourth straight defeat to end his campaign today against David Evans 5-3; who himself goes onto two victories from three games.
Van Barneveld once again like again Mark Webster started well and pounced and went 3-1 up with Evans' doubles struggling down at 2/22 but he made it 3-2
He restored parity from there going 3-3 putting the question in whether 'Barney' could surge towards the finishing line but this was soon in sight for 'Stretch' who hit his third consecutive leg to make it 4-3 and conclude the win.
Nijman who is the only player to defeat Evans today continued his unbeaten start to the day making it 3/3 hitting a 94.7 average with four 180's to see off Paul Nicholson 5-3. After being many people's outsider today, he seems to be turning into the favourite.
It was a hotly anticipated clash with both players the best of the bunch on the opening day of the Live League and the duo will end the day facing Mark Webster and David Evans respectively.
Mark Webster (73.21) 4-5 (79.54) Paul Nicholson
Raymond van Barneveld (83.48) 1-5 (92.56) Wessel Nijman
David Evans (81.99) 5-4 (82.99) Mark Webster
Paul Nicholson (95.8) 5-2 (88.27) Raymond van Barneveld
Wessel Nijman (100.6) 5-4 (97.4) David Evans
Mark Webster (91.73) 5-4 (98.23) Raymond van Barneveld
Paul Nicholson (94.49) 3-5 (94.32) Wessel Nijman
David Evans (84.68) 5-3 (80.27) Raymond van Barneveld
Mark Webster v Wessel Nijman
Paul Nicholson v David Evans