"I've been begging at Target about what I want" - Raymond van Barneveld expecting great things from his new darts set-up

Raymond van Barneveld started Friday night's World Darts Championship with a rock-solid performance. The 56-year-old from The Hague never really got out of second gear against Radek Szaganski and triumphed 3-1 in sets.

Van Barneveld recorded an average of 99.81, his highest average at the World Darts Championship since the 2018 edition when he defeated compatriot Vincent van der Voort at the last 16.

''I am extremely happy with this performance,'' Van Barneveld said afterwards during the press conference. ''Radek won a Pro Tour tournament a few months ago, so I knew it was going to be a tough match. There was a lot of pressure on me, so I'm very happy to be through.''

Van Barneveld played his first real match with his new darts, which were specially made by his supplier Target in honor of the 25th anniversary of his first world title.

'Barney' is overjoyed with the outcome of the developed dart. "I worked really hard for this. When you spend years searching for the right darts you drive yourself crazy. I've been begging at Target about what I want. They then made 3 sets for me, nothing more. This really made me feel insane. Scoring was good and the finishes really helped me. With this set-up I really expect great things in the coming year."

With the elimination of James Wade and Peter Wright in his portion of the draw, a good result beckons for Van Barneveld at the World Darts Championship. Although 'Barney' does not want to go too hard, he dreams of a sixth world title.

''I can still get people in trouble,'' Van Barneveld continued during the press tour with the English press. ''When I play really well, I'm hard to beat. I believe in myself again and I feel better than ever. I'm not going to tell everyone that I'm going to lift the cup up here for a while, but I do believe in it and I know I can do it,'' Van Barneveld said.