In the run-up to the 2020 PDC World Championship which begins on Friday, December 13, DartsNews takes a look at the 32 clashes in the first round.
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The previews are done in order of the schedule; for the PDC World Championship. One or two previews are posted every day. The complete tournament schedule can be found via this link here.
Raymond van Barneveld vs. Darin Young
Time: Saturday December 14 at 9:10 PM
Head To Head: Raymond van Barneveld 2-0 Darin Young
Last meeting: Raymond van Barneveld 10-4 Darin Young - Grand Slam of Darts 2008 - Last 16
Number of previous PDC World Championship participations: Van Barneveld 13, Young 9
Best result Winner 2007 (Van Barneveld) ; Second Round 2010 (Young)
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Preview
This tie will see two of the most experienced players in the field duke it out with one in particular saying farewell to the world of darts after this tournament.
That player is of course, Raymond van Barneveld who will aim to end it in style at the Alexandra Palace. Last year wasn't the perfect pre-cursor with a defeat early doors to Darius Labanauskas.
Due to his poor year and at times not wanting to qualify for tournaments, Van Barneveld has found himself in a difficult position; when he has Jeffrey de Zwaan potentially waiting for him.
Young as well is a classy operator and despite his record in the tournament, only one time out of the first round since his debut in 2005; he has flown the flag for American darts alongside Larry Butler for a long time and showed with his form on the CDC Tour and in World Series events that 'Big Daddy' has the steel to potentially make it the worst ending for the Dutch legend.
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Prediction -
There is real questions over Van Barneveld and in particular his desire to play from the very start especially but with it being his last tournament, it won't be that that'll get in his way and the emotion of the occasion could spur the Dutch legend on to a good run. Young will likely push him close but Van Barneveld will likely move through with a prediction of Young 2-3 Van Barneveld.
It won't be as far off as some betting companies may see it as Young has shown his class in the past but it is overall one of the hardest first round ties to predict.
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
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- Well,I suppose if you don't play the tournaments ,then why should any player qualify? There are players who enter every tournament,and if they don't win it,they carry on, spending money they haven't won,yet certain players seem to think they should qualify. Winners only I thinkrick6714-11-2026
- Everyone knows what a fantastic champion Taylor was,but his performances in the seniors were poor. He wouldn't throw littler off stage,as he'd miss these days!!rick6712-11-2026
- He produced some impressive numbers in that qualifying campaign. I'm excited to see him compete at the World Championship once again, even if it will be difficult to replicate last year's success even with an improved performance, with the draw playing a huge role in determining his fortunes.Deduce635811-11-2026
- I often think about this very question. I think they should revive the format. They could even invite representatives from MODUS Super Series, with four series winners from the past year, and the ADC, with finalists from the Global Championship and perhaps other events. Why not throw in eligible representatives from the JDC and even the soft-tip game too?Deduce635811-11-2026
- So what if littler missed out, he doesnt have to enter everythingant10-11-2026
- Good, absolutely no loss if we never see this dancing goof ever again......no that is not fair. He absolutely cannot and has never been remotely able to dance!richieburnettrocks10-11-2026
- Yes Phil,now the money in the game is bigger than ever,you'd play littler. Well so would I! Retire on your memory Phil,and your successful careerrick6709-11-2026
- And why should he listen to you?Deduce635807-11-2026
- Ultimately it is a bye for whoever draws Barney. It will be another stroppy and sulky performance once he goes behind. Barney was excellent but really must completely call it a day now.richieburnettrocks07-11-2026
- I'm disappointed he was not able to secure a spot at the Grand Slam. With Carl Sneyd taking care of Daryl Gurney, he would have had to beat Andy Boulton before facing the winner of Sneyd vs Mensur Suljović for a Grand Slam spot. Unfortunately, after beating Filip Bereza comfortably, he succumbed to Boulton, and the board would ultimately be won by the highly inconsistent Carl Sneyd. Since he could instead have been drawn against the likes of Cristo Reyes, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Stephen Bunting, I think once Gurney was out of the picture he would have been favourite to win his board, and it seems like a massive missed opportunity to put 5 grand on his ranking and seal another major TV appearance ahead of the Worlds. The highs and lows of following Raymond van Barneveld!Deduce635806-11-2026