"If I play like this, Dave Chisnall will wipe the floor with me" — Van Barneveld self-critical despite convincing opening win at Hungarian Darts Trophy

Raymond van Barneveld began his 2025 Hungarian Darts Trophy campaign with victory on Friday night. The five-time world champion beat Hungarian qualifier Nándor Major 6-2 in round one, although by his own admission it was far from a flawless display.

“Very weird. Two 13-darters, played absolutely well, and then I don’t know… I let him in for the third leg and the fifth leg. Yeah, and then of course the crowd is behind him. But I’m happy with the win in the end. It wasn’t a great average, but you’re always happy when you win a game,” Van Barneveld reflected in his post-match interview afterwards.

The win sets up a second-round clash with Dave Chisnall, something Barney is relishing after a long wait. “Tomorrow against Dave Chisnall, afternoon game. That took a while — three years, you know. So that says everything about my status. I have to win matches. I’m still in the top 16, so it’s very important to me to stay in there, otherwise you have to play qualifiers. But yeah, if you’re still winning your first games, hopefully your second games, then you’ll still be there. That’s important.”

Despite the positive result, there was no shortage of self-criticism. “If I play like this, he will smash me, wipe the floor with me. First leg was good, but then I couldn’t explain it. Sometimes on my own legs it’s 59, 36, 32, and I’m thinking, what is going on? This is not what I’ve been practising downstairs. I feel good, I feel amazing, but sometimes I’m just bewildered during a match at what’s happening.”

The Budapest crowd played its part, though Van Barneveld remained upbeat. “The crowd is fantastic, although I was playing against a Hungarian and we all know what that means for a Hungarian player. I was happy that Nándor didn’t play his A-game, otherwise I would have been in massive trouble. But no trouble — I got the job done.”

Victory provisionally moves the Dutchman into the top 32 of the European Tour Order of Merit, giving his hopes of qualifying for the European Championship a timely boost. But for now, his focus is firmly on Chisnall. “Tomorrow against Dave Chisnall — I’m looking forward to that.”