"I'm not financially ready to stop" - Raymond van Barneveld still dreaming of 6th world title

Raymond van Barneveld will soon begin his 32nd World Championship (14x BDO, 18x PDC). The 57-year-old Dutchman enters in round as the 32nd seed and will meet the winner of the duel between Stowe Buntz and Nick Kenny at the Ally Pally.

Van Barneveld had asked the PDC in advance to play his first match as late as possible. "I had indicated to the PDC that I was open to playing as late as possible during the World Championship. The 23rd was the last possible day and I have to play the 21st. I am very happy with that," Van Barneveld told Sportnieuws.nl.

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However, darts commentator Jacques Nieuwlaat had warned him that he probably had to start early, as he is sitting alongside world champion Luke Humphries. After all, Humphries has to be in action right away on the opening night of the tournament. "But so that doesn't matter at all," Van Barneveld said. "I have to play the 21st and the winner of that match plays again Dec. 27. In terms of schedule, I'm extremely happy with that."

Raymond van Barneveld in action 

Van Barneveld realizes that a tough assignment awaits him anyway if he wins his meeting in the second round. After all, Humphries is having a great year and starts again as one of the absolute top favorites at the World Championship. Still, 'Barney' sees opportunities. "It has never happened before that all 32 seeded players went to the last 32, or the best 16 to the last 16. That's not going to happen again now."

At 57, Van Barneveld is not yet thinking about a possible retirement. "I'm not financially ready to stop tomorrow. That also ensures that it remains important for me to keep playing. It's not that easy anymore to shout that you want to stop. That's also not in my system and in my head at all anymore."

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