Van Barneveld reveals text messages of encouragement from former rival Taylor: "He's behind me and that gives me an incredible feeling"

Raymond van Barneveld stunned Gerwyn Price in an incredible 16-13 win to reach his first TV ranking semi-final in almost six years at the Grand Slam of Darts.

After beating him in the group, Van Barneveld silenced the doubters including Michael van Gerwen who said he couldn't do it over the longer format.

"I don't know what just happened. 8-3 down and win this game. I keep believing in myself and saying Ray you can do this. But this man is something else, he is one of the best players in the world and I took my chances and sometimes I gave him a few darts but at the end I was there and I played awesome," said Van Barneveld post match.

But in the context of his career also, this win is right up there for the five-time World Champion.

"If you beat the World Number One twice in one tournament, what can you say. It's not a coincidence that he played awesome, he's a top class player. The last four years he won this tournament three times but I can beat him."

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Now the belief is there, targets begin to set in with the top 32 now a real possibility and his next task is Michael Smith.

"I gave myself a target after the group win, I want to be in the top 32 in the world at the end of this month and I think I'm going to do this."

"Why can't I do this against Michael Smith, I believe in it."

But also he has received some support from a certain former rival, Phil Taylor who has been texting him this week.

"He's there all the time. He's giving me text messages like you can do this buddy, I believe in you. He doesn't need to do this, he's the best darts player ever. We had many fights and many games and he's behind me and that gives me an incredible feeling. I don't want to disappoint this man, my family or future wife. I'm so happy, you can't describe this in words."

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