Darts Legend Raymond van Barneveld Celebrates 57th Birthday with Renewed Optimism
As the darts world celebrates the 57th birthday of the legendary Raymond van Barneveld, the Dutchman’s comeback story continues to captivate fans. After a disappointing end to his initial retirement in 2019, Van Barneveld has since regained his passion for the sport, adding two more PDC ranking titles to his illustrious career.
The five-time world champion, who put darts on the map in the Netherlands, initially struggled with the decision to return to the circuit.
“When I look back at that and hear myself say that life has no meaning anymore…. Then I really think: wow. People still make fun of it, but I was really depressed,” Van Barneveld admitted in a candid interview.
However, with the support of his supervisor, Iwe Kuitert, and a new sponsorship deal with Ben de Kok, the darts icon decided to make a triumphant return to the PDC Tour in 2021. Since then, he has reclaimed his place among the sport’s elite, winning two prestigious titles.
Van Barneveld’s renewed optimism is palpable, as he has finally found the perfect set of darts to complement his game.
“See all these drawers here? Those were packed with equipment, I kept changing. They’re all empty now. These darts are all I need. I’m over the moon with them,” he said, expressing his confidence in his current setup.
The veteran player has his sights set on achieving more success in the coming years, including a potential sixth world title, which would solidify his legacy as the Dutchman with the most world titles. He also dreams of once again representing his country at the World Cup of Darts alongside his longtime rival, Michael van Gerwen.
“I have positive jealousy and a lot of respect for him. When I turned 50, he was the only darter to give me a present, a bottle of whiskey. That says enough about Michael. We should be happy with him. Because of him, we are still here at the table,” Van Barneveld said, acknowledging the impact of his compatriot on the sport.
As Raymond van Barneveld celebrates his 57th birthday, the darts community eagerly awaits his continued pursuit of greatness, fueled by his renewed passion and determination.
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