It was the finishes that were the deciding factor. Van Barneveld was rock solid on the doubles with a finishing percentage of 85.7 percent, compared to only 25 percent for Van Gerwen.
Nevertheless, Van Gerwen did lead 2-0, but Van Barneveld repaired the damage with a 17-darter and an 80 finish. Van Gerwen broke the 56-year-old Hague native again in the sixth leg, but again Van Barneveld hit back. He threw out 118 for the equalizer and then took the lead for the first time with a 138 checkout.
A third 100+ finish in a row seemed in the making, but Van Barneveld missed tops from 101. However, the five-time world champion had new chances at 5-3 as Van Gerwen missed the double four times. Van Barneveld did find the double and then secured the victory with an 84 checkout.
A duel with Ryan Searle in the third round awaits on Sunday afternoon. 'Heavy Metal' who hasn't been in great form as of late had to dig deep to see off Gabriel Clemens.
The number 11 seed had to chase for almost the entire match, but took advantage when Clemens missed five darts in the 10th leg. Searle did via an 84 finish and then threw an 11-darter in the deciding leg.
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
BARNEY STUNS MVG! 🇳🇱
Raymond van Barneveld produces a sensational display of doubling to defeat Michael van Gerwen 6-3 in a battle of the Dutch giants, winning six of the last seven legs to triumph in Trier!
🔜 Michael Smith v Keane Barry
📺 bit.ly/23EuroTourLive | #ET10