Raymond van Barneveld expressed uncertainty about his future following his early exit from the Ally Pally competition. The Dutch player was defeated in straight sets by Swiss opponent Stefan Bellmont, marking his failure to advance beyond the first round in his last six attempts after winning the championship on his debut in 2007. Van Barneveld, aged 58, acknowledged the challenges he faced during the match, admitting he is unsure of his next career move after a tough year.
Reflecting on his performance, Van Barneveld commented on the unexpected difficulty he encountered, emphasizing Bellmont’s strong play and his own missed opportunities. Despite feeling confident during practice sessions, he struggled to replicate his form in the actual match, attributing part of the challenge to adjusting to his opponent’s slower pace. Disappointed by his recent string of defeats, Van Barneveld expressed the need to reassess his approach and find a way forward in his career.
As a result of his elimination, Van Barneveld will see a decline in his PDC Order of Merit ranking, while Bellmont prepares for his upcoming match against Damon Heta in the second round. The ongoing World Darts Championship at the sold-out Ally Pally features defending champion Luke Littler and promises intense competition with contenders like Luke Humphries vying for the title. Fans can dive into a comprehensive preview of the championship, including insights from key players and experts, by accessing exclusive content available for purchase.