Van Barneveld not resting on his laurels ahead of European Tour return: "I still have to get fitter"

Raymond van Barneveld made his comeback in the PDC a year and a half ago. The 55-year old Dutchman is taking stock of his progress.

After his comeback, Van Barneveld had to conclude that the level at the top has become much broader. "Suddenly Danny Jansen wins a Pro Tour. And Boris Koltsov is in a final... Until about five years ago I often made it to the last eight and then the real competition started. Now it's often payday in round one. Of the thirteen Euro Tour tournaments I only managed to qualify for three. That is not good of course", says Van Barneveld to AD.nl.

Van Barneveld did qualify for the Hungarian Darts Trophy and German Darts Open, two Euro Tour tournaments in September. "Then you start there with a thousand euro starting money and every next round gives you that same amount. But yes, I go on holiday next week and those tournaments are just after my return. Then I haven't trained much."

Barney does not think about stopping again. "I will start working again on September 1st. Four hours of training a day and then meditation and sports. I still have to get fitter, especially because I also have diabetes."