"For him it’s special! On the big stage against Raymond van Barneveld, right?" – Dutch icon survives surprising scare against Swiss debutant Ansh Sood in Basel

Raymond van Barneveld admitted relief after overcoming a spirited challenge from Swiss Euro Tour debutant Ansh Sood in the opening round of the 2025 Swiss Darts Trophy on Friday night. The five-time world champion eventually prevailed 6–3, but it was a contest far tighter than most had anticipated.

Sood, a complete unknown on this stage, made the most of his Basel bow with a fearless performance that had the home crowd roaring. The Swiss qualifier fired in two 18-darters, grabbed an early break of throw and even threatened to level at four apiece before van Barneveld’s trademark composure under pressure made the difference.

“I was thinking I would be all right, but with the crowd behind him you can do anything – and he was really playing well,” van Barneveld reflected in his post-match interview on stage afterwards. “I was happy he missed that one dart at tops, because otherwise it would have been 4–4 and then you never know. After that I made it 5–3, then I had the throw. Luckily for me I won the game, but it was not a great game.”

Van Barneveld’s assessment wasn’t entirely harsh. The Dutchman averaged 89.41 compared to Sood’s 81.17, but it was the debutant who actually boasted the better finishing percentage, landing 50% of his doubles compared to Barney’s 40%. The Swiss newcomer also outscored his illustrious opponent on maximums, registering two 180s to van Barneveld’s none.

The legendary Dutchman, though, steadied when it counted. A clinical 79 finish swung momentum his way at a crucial moment, while a trademark 120 checkout sealed the contest. It was far from a vintage display, but the job was done – and with a World Grand Prix spot still within reach, that was what mattered most.

“Maybe it’s because of all the travelling and all the tournaments we do – it takes energy,” van Barneveld admitted. “I’m not that young anymore. And of course, for him it’s special, he’s focused, on the big stage against Raymond van Barneveld, right? I don’t know what I’ll get on stage in those situations, so it’s always hard.”

For Sood, it was a performance that underlined the potential bubbling beneath the surface of Swiss darts. “I think there’s a lot of growth here in darts in Switzerland,” van Barneveld added. “He played a good game. He needs to practise more, and if more players here in Switzerland practise more, then who knows? Stefan Bellmont is there later on today and he’s a class player.”

While the Dutchman will return on Saturday looking to sharpen up in round two, Sood can take heart from a debut that pushed a titan of the sport harder than most would have predicted.