Van Barneveld pleased after impressive win over Kuivenhoven: “There are not many times I average 104, I’m not MVG”

Raymond van Barneveld surged through to a clash with Michael van Gerwen at the Players Championship Finals after a 6-1 demolition over Maik Kuivenhoven where he averaged 104.

Van Barneveld spoke afterwards about his belief and changing a small aspect of his game which helped him through to a new confidence.

“There are not many times I average 104. I’m not Michael (van Gerwen), he hits 104 averages for breakfast. So really pleased with the win, I changed to shorter stems last week for the last three months trying with the All 8 system of Target. I was sitting in a car like Ray you can do this,” said Van Barneveld post match.

“You have to believe and like I said sometimes it’s better to start from scratch again and build up instead of rebuilding. It feels good, I have no pressure. You want to win of course but at the end, a win here and hopefully the next game against this young man (MVG) will be great for darts.”