"I'm playing so good and I'm so confident" - Raymond van Barneveld takes inspiration from 2007 World final win over Phil Taylor to reach International Darts Open 2nd round
PDC
Raymond van Barneveld has booked his place in the second round of the International Darts Open in convincing fashion. ‘Barney’ was far too strong for Patrick Klingelhöfer in his opening match in Riesa, cruising to a 6-1 victory. He will now face Jonny Clayton in the next round.
It will have come as a welcome boost for Van Barneveld. The 57-year-old Dutchman has been struggling with his form lately, and the results have often reflected that. Earlier this week, however, he showed signs of improvement with a run to the quarter-finals at the Players Championship, and he carried that momentum into his opening match in Riesa. Van Barneveld put in a very strong performance, averaging over 103 and never looked in any danger against his German opponent, wrapping up a comfortable win.
"Last week in Leicester I threw with my old flights that I beat Phil Taylor in the final (2007 PDC World Darts Championship ed.)," Barney explained in his post-match interview afterwards. "It's been going really well and I've been clinical on my finishes so I thought I'd give it a go. Why not?"
"In practice today they didn't really go too well, but after he missed that 121 it was really important," the Dutchman adds. "So I'm really happy. I'm playing so good and I'm so confident with these flights."
As mentioned, Van Barneveld will now take on Welshman Jonny Clayton in the second round later today. "Jonny is an amazing player and a great guy as well!" Van Barneveld says warmly. "I'm looking forward to playing Jonny tomorrow."
VINTAGE BARNEY! 🤩
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) April 4, 2025
Raymond van Barneveld rolls back the years, producing a spectacular 103 average to get past Patrick Klingelhoefer in Riesa!
📺 https://t.co/YyBPPwoMK8#ET3 | R1 pic.twitter.com/PAAiaHzEjE
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