"Whistling at the opponent is not nice, but it's part of the game" - Raymond van Barneveld thanks 'Barney Army' after win over Rob Cross

Raymond van Barneveld is through to the quarter-finals at the Dutch Darts Masters. The 56-year-old Dutchman was too strong for Rob Cross in the opening round, 6-5.

Van Barneveld started the match with difficulty. "It was a bit rusty, not entirely illogical considering I hadn't touched a dart after my elimination at the World Championship," Van Barneveld told Darts Actueel post-match.

"I needed that rest too. But several of the other players present here were already active at the Bahrain Darts Masters last week, so I still lack that competitive rhythm. Yesterday I did play a few legs against some students during a darts opening, but that was without any pressure."

Van Barneveld was loudly supported by the crowd of his compatriots. "I think I can be happy with their support. Whistling at the opponent is not nice, but it's part of the game and you have it everywhere. Luckily I haven't experienced it much myself, apart from once in Berlin and once in Scotland and that went through my teeth at the time."

'Barney' will take on his compatriot Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals, who was too strong for Vincent van der Voort in the opening round 6-1.