"It's very difficult when you're in that downward trajectory": Glen Durrant sees time is running out for Raymond van Barneveld after World Championship exit

After Raymond van Barneveld’s early exit at the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship, Glen Durrant has spoken out about the future of the Dutch darts legend. The former Premier League champion and current Sky Sports analyst acknowledges that age is starting to catch up with Van Barneveld.

Van Barneveld lost 3-0 in the first round at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday evening to Swiss player Stefan Bellmont. That brought an end to a World Championship that was once again disappointing for the 58-year-old from The Hague and emblematic of a difficult year on tour. Immediately after the match, Sky Sports turned to the question increasingly looming over Van Barneveld’s career: how much longer will he continue?

Glen Durrant, himself a former world-class player and now a regular pundit and commentator for the broadcaster, made it clear that at this age it becomes increasingly difficult to consistently compete at the highest level. At the same time, he stressed that retiring is rarely an easy decision for players of this caliber.

"I don't want to kick a player when he's down, he didn't look happy. He started the opening leg well and then you're hoping he's going to kick on. But Father Time does catch up on you. It's difficult that longevity."

According to Durrant, however, an early defeat does not automatically signal the end. He points to moments away from the big stage where Van Barneveld still shows what he can do. “I admire players that have been around for such a long time but to see a great, an icon. The guy that set off Dutch Darts to where it is now, it's a tough one as a fan to see as well."

It is precisely that contrast that makes the situation so complicated, Durrant believes. The hope that it will all come together at a major tournament remains. "I hope Barney bounces back but it's very difficult when you're in that downward trajectory, it was a tough night for Raymond."

Van Barneveld also knows better than anyone how to find his way back albeit Durrant considered it very likely that Van Barneveld will not disappear from the scene anytime soon. Soon after Barney released a statement pondering his future but whether or not he stops is another matter.