Van Barneveld wins in farewell exhibition tournament at AFAS Live

Raymond van Barneveld had a befitting goodbye to the Dutch public on Saturday evening in a packed AFAS Live.

Thousands of fans had turned up in orange to say goodbye to the legendary player. In addition to Van Barneveld, they also saw players Barney had played in his World Championship finals and some of his main rivals over the years, including Phil Taylor, Martin Adams and Richie Burnett.

They paired with a Dutch person. For example, kick boxer Rico Verhoeven formed a team with Burnett and Van Barneveld teamed with football star Robin van Persie.

These two teams are also those who reached the final. Burnett / Verhoeven won in the Group A defeating Phil Taylor / Elise van der Horst and Wayne Mardle / Rafael van der Vaart.

Van Barneveld and Van Persie defeated Bobby George / Bobbi Eden and Martin Adams / Soundos in their group.

In the final it was Burnett and Verhoeven who took the lead after a nice 146 finish from the Welshman. However, the Dutch duo came back to win the exhibition tournament after a performance which included a few 180s from the five-time World Champion.

Group A

Richie Burnett/Rico Verhoeven 2-0 Phil Taylor/Elise van der Horst
Richie Burnett/Rico Verhoeven 2-0 Wayne Mardle/Rafael van der Vaart
Wayne Mardle/Rafael van der Vaart 2-1 Phil Taylor/Elise van der Horst

Group B

Raymond van Barneveld/Robin van Persie 2-1 Bobby George/Bobbi Eden
Martin Adams/Soundos 2-0 Bobby George/Bobbi Eden
Raymond van Barneveld/Robin van Persie 2-0 Martin Adams/Soundos

Final

Raymond van Barneveld/Robin van Persie 2-1 Richie Burnett/Rico Verhoeven