Raymond van Barneveld is one win away from a first PDC title since 2021. With a 7-6 victory over Gary Anderson, 'Barney' managed to qualify for the final of
Players Championship 5.
The Dutchman was more incisive on the doubles at the important moments. A key moment was the tenth leg, in which Anderson missed five chances to make it 6-4. Van Barneveld then hit the double 6 to level the score. A 13-darter then brought Van Barneveld to a 6-5 lead, but Anderson then broke right back with a 14-darter. Van Barneveld was the first to get a matchdart in the last leg, but missed his chance on the bullseye. After Anderson himself missed two matchdarts, 'Barney' struck after all with double 8.
In the final of Players Championship 5,
Stephen Bunting will be the Dutchman's opponent. Bunting managed to win 7-5 over Ross Smith in the other semifinal.
Results Players Championship 5
Last 16
James Hurrell (93.93) 6 | 4 (88.38) Joe Cullen
Raymond van Barneveld (99.48) 6 | 3 (104.34) Michael Smith
Gary Anderson (113.97) 6 | 1 (84.31) Daryl Gurney
Peter Wright (90.06) 6 | 4 (88.92) Michael van Gerwen
Stephen Bunting (99.23) 6 | 2 (91.93) Ian White
Danny Noppert (98.41) 6 | 3 (97.72) Jeffrey De Zwaan
Ross Smith (98.17) 6 | 5 (98.79) William O'Connor
Cameron Menzies (101.11) 6 | 5 (92.96) Jonny Clayton
Quarterfinals
Raymond van Barneveld (93.95) 6 | 3 (95.15) James Hurrell
Gary Anderson (97.60) 6 | 4 (99.42) Peter Wright
Stephen Bunting (97.06) 6 | 2 (90.34) Danny Noppert
Ross Smith (96.31) 6 | 3 (91.67) Cameron Menzies
Semi-final
Raymond van Barneveld 7 | 6 Gary Anderson
Stephen Bunting 7 | 5 Ross Smith
Final
Raymond van Barneveld - | - Stephen Bunting