Raymond van Barneveld reveals favorite Christmas meal: "I love to have a nice gourmet dinner"

Raymond van Barneveld has made an excellent start to the World Darts Championship. The 56-year-old Dutchman defeated Radek Szaganski 3-1 in his opening match and can now enjoy the Christmas break.

Van Barneveld was asked at Toto Dart Kings about his favorite Christmas meal. "I love to have a nice gourmet dinner with family and friends. I'm a meat eater and love that cosiness," said 'Barney'.

"In recent years, however, I have often been away from home at Christmas. People often say we earn well and shouldn't whine so much, but that doesn't mean you can always do the things you like to do. With these days, you just like to be with your family."

For example, Van Barneveld distills a story from several years ago. "I once saw Darin Young (American player) crying because he couldn't celebrate Christmas with his family. Darin is a huge guy, but then you see how important family is to someone."

Van Barneveld will return to action on Friday afternoon, Dec. 29, when he takes on Welshman Jim Williams in the third round. The winner of that match will then get to take on the winner of the duel between Luke Littler and Matt Campbell.