Van Barneveld reflects after career ends in first round at PDC World Championship: ‘It has been a nightmare end to a nightmare year’

Raymond van Barneveld lost to Darin Young on Saturday night as his career came down at the first hurdle at the 2020 PDC World Championship.

Van Barneveld was understandably emotional afterwards; while giving Young credit, he admitted it wasn’t the befitting end he wanted and that he will ‘never forget’ his performance in losing to the American.

"The demons won again - I never felt comfortable in the whole match," said Van Barneveld.

"Darin played really well but I could not find anything and I am really disappointed.

"I had practised well and done everything I could to prepare but I didn't play anything like that on stage. I will never forget or forgive myself for this performance - it has been a nightmare end to a nightmare year."

Van Barneveld also spoke to Dutch TV station, RTL 7 afterwards; he called himself an ‘amateur’. As well as that nothing matters anymore in life now that he has had this ending to his career.

''It seems I'm just an amateur. I will never love myself. I will hate myself and I disgust myself. I don't care anymore, my whole life has no sense anymore. I will never forgive myself this. It's finished.''

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