"He needs a full plan: proper rest, watching his diet—everything": Raymond van Barneveld backed for PDC World Darts Championship run under right circumstances

Raymond van Barneveld can have few complaints about his draw for the 2026 World Darts Championship. The five-time Dutch world champion will face Switzerland’s Stefan Bellmont in his opening match on Wednesday, Dec. 17, and the path beyond that looks equally manageable. Vincent van der Voort believes that with a more tailored preparation, “Barney” could make a serious run at Ally Pally this year.

Van der Voort and Van Barneveld have been close for many years, with the former once referring to his compatriot as his “brother” during an earlier episode of the Darts Draait Door podcast. That familiarity meant Van der Voort felt comfortable offering some pointed advice in the latest episode. “I think it’s a good draw for him. Potential opponents like Damon Heta in the second round aren’t in great form. But the caveat is: neither is Raymond.”

Van der Voort has already expressed concern about Van Barneveld’s current state, noting that the Dutchman has looked unsettled—something the former pro hopes to help him address. “I spoke to him briefly again, and he’s still tinkering with his darts. He now has to decide what he’s doing for the World Championship and commit to that setup in training. Everything must be geared toward the Worlds, and then he has to see how far that takes him.”

Van der Voort believes a personalised schedule is essential. “He needs a full plan: proper rest, watching his diet—everything. He’s not getting any younger and needs more energy. He has to be sharper on stage, throw with more power, and project himself as a winner. If he gets all of that right, I think he has a very decent chance of making it through a few rounds.”

Crucially, Van Barneveld must arrive in London in good health. Last year he battled illness throughout the tournament and even suffered flu symptoms for months afterwards. “For Raymond, the most important thing is being healthy and staying healthy. That flu last year… you don’t want that again. It takes a lot out of you. His energy levels have to improve, but mentally he has to be much stronger too if he wants to go deep,” Van der Voort concluded.