Raymond van Barneveld secured his participation for the World Matchplay on Friday night. The prestigious summer tournament in Blackpool is scheduled from July 15-23.
The 56-year-old Dutchman came through his first round at the European Darts Matchplay after beating George Killington (6-3) in Trier, cashing in on his good position in the qualification race for the World Matchplay.
Van Barneveld was a regular participant at the World Matchplay from 2007 to 2018, while being a runner up in 2010. In 2019, he missed out on qualification, and in that year Van Barneveld announced his darts retirement. However, the five-time world champion returned to the PDC circuit in 2021, but still failed to qualify for the World Matchplay in his first two seasons on his return.
Three times proved to be the charm, as in the third year he succeeded. Van Barneveld laid the foundations for his qualification for this event during the qualifiers for the European Tour tournaments. He qualified for nine of the first ten European Tour tournaments of 2023, which allowed 'Barney' to collect substantial prize money each time.
Another darts legend also returns to the Winter Gardens this year. The 59-year-old Steve Beaton also managed to join the field of participants. 'The Bronzed Adonis' competed every year from 2001 to 2020, but was missing the last two years at the World Matchplay.
Blackpool baby 👍🏼 I’m back 🐅 @TargetDarts @focusdrink_nl @TOTODartKings #Rvb #barneyarmy #darts #Blackpool 🎯
BARNEY BOOKS BLACKPOOL SPOT! 🇳🇱 Raymond van Barneveld wraps up a 6-3 win over George Killington, which confirms his World Matchplay return after a five-year absence! RvB will take on MvG tomorrow night! 👀 🔜 Jose de Sousa v Gabriel Clemens 📺 bit.ly/23EuroTourLive | #ET10
