"I don't think Raymond has thrown so well in his whole career": Mardle 'in awe' at Van Barneveld display at Grand Slam of Darts

Raymond van Barneveld continued to roll back the years on Friday night as he took down Gerwyn Price again to reach the semi-finals at the Grand Slam of Darts.

It was a display that left the darting world purring and Wayne Mardle in particular was shocked and in awe in his words at the way Van Barneveld has played this week and believes it was one of the best evidences of Barney at his best.

"I'm kind of in awe. I'm friends with Raymond (van Barneveld) and I like him as a human being. I admire and love him as a darts player, I didn't think he could do that. Totally honest I didn't think he could play that well for that long against someone doing it to you as well. Full credit.

"The timing of his (Price) misses were punished to the hilt. It was all about the perfect timing of Raymond van Barneveld. The 140's, the timing, the double hitting under pressure. It just equated to what was a perfect performance and there were moments in that game where I don't think Raymond has thrown so well in his whole career."

"The fluency was there for everyone to see, the authority he was throwing with. I don't think many people feel like that in their darting career, it was that good."

"He will feel that if he keeps working hard he will get the rewards. His reward was Michael Smith who was incredible."