"Something like that can make all the difference" - Raymond van Barneveld knows what to blame for disappointing World Matchplay performance

For Raymond van Barneveld, the 2024 World Matchplay ended in a big disappointment. The losing finalist of 2010 went down in the opening round, after a 10-7 defeat to Jonny Clayton.

However, Van Barneveld was the victim of extenuating circumstances that affected his preparation for the trip to the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. "When traveling to the Players Championships in Milton Keynes in early July, I lost my bag with all my darts equipment. In it were all my sets of darts with a certain point I prefer to throw with," Van Barneveld told Viaplay. "My sponsor Target then quickly got me some new sets, but with a slightly longer point. A few days later I threw at a exhibition tournament in Brentwood against Gerwyn Price and got 106 average, so I thought I would be fine heading into the World Matchplay and left for Blackpool feeling good."

"But on the stage at the Winter Gardens the feeling turned out to be much less good anyway and the doubts suddenly started," Van Barneveld continued. "Even if it only makes a difference of 4 millimeters, from 30 to 26, something like that can make all the difference and when it starts to grind in your head it's never a good sign."

In the end, the difference between Van Barneveld and Clayton was not particularly large, but still it was the Welshman who managed to progress to the next round. "I also felt there was more in it, but threw scores like 60, 59 and 57 too often and that's not possible at this level. There needs to be a treble much more often."

Despite this quick defeat, Van Barneveld has moved up one spot in the world rankings, jumping past Brendan Dolan to 28th place. The 57-year-old Dutchman is back in action early this month and early next month at Players Championships 15, 16 and 17.