"He didn't play his best game, but who cares" - Nick Kenny secures Tour Card with biggest win of his career over 'Barney' at World Darts Championship
PDC
With the biggest performance of his career to date, Welshman Nick Kenny swept Raymond van Barneveld aside 3-1 at the Alexandra Palace to reach the third round of the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, and ensure he remains on the Pro Tour in the coming year.
Despite averaging only 86.39, Kenny was in control of the game throughout, as shown by the fact that the Welshman had 40 darts at a double during the contest compared to Van Barneveld's 25 at the outer ring. And the reward for beating 'Barney'? A showdown with reigning world champion Luke Humphries in the last 32.
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"It's a bit surreal. I've kept my Tour Card I believe, but it was an absolute privilege to play Raymond van Barneveld on the big stage. He didn't play his best game, but who cares really," Kenny assesses in his post-match press conference. "My timing was spot on, I hit the doubles at the right time and got over the line."
The biggest victory of his life? "Oh yes by far!" Kenny answers emphatically. "It gives me probably another two years on tour because I'm only defending around £13,500 next year. There's a lot more riding on it personally, and I can move on and and really sort myself out."
Although was in control, that didn't make the nerves any lesser as he threw for the match. In the end, the Welshman needed nine match darts to finally get over the line. "I had double 4 that was nearer the treble! My god, I just kept giving him chances. But I'm just so proud of myself. I was comfortable in stages, and when we got to the crunch, I kept doing the right things at the right time that helped me."
As mentioned though, things don't get any easier for Kenny as Luke Humphries lies in wait in the third round. "I'm just looking forward to Christmas. I don't know when I'll be back, but Luke Humphries is the best. I relish that opportunity to play him and hopefully I can give a good account of myself," Kenny previews. "I expect him to be at a 100 average and if I don't get near that I'll get battered. But, I'll be relaxed, so we'll see."
