RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD admits he took a nasty fall in the World Grand Prix…on the walk-on.
The five-time world champion battled past Kevin Troppmann 6-3 in the German Darts Championship in Hildesheim but averaged just 85.70 and failed to hit a single 180.
Van Barneveld then apologised to fans for skipping his usual autograph duties before the match, explaining he’s still feeling the effects of a nasty fall at the World Grand Prix earlier this month.
He continued: “Sorry for the walk-on, I didn’t sign anything. At the World Grand Prix there was a gap there and I fell down. It was hard for me and I got nearly injured.”
Barney has been on the road for almost a month and confessed he’s struggling to cope with the demands of the relentless PDC schedule.
He said: “I haven’t been home since the 24th of September. Three and a half weeks on the spin — it takes its toll.
“I am tired. I am practicing good. I didn’t hit a 180 tonight.
“It was a really poor game. I missed six darts to get 3-2 up and then I lost the leg and I let him in the game.
“I was thinking, what is this? I feel good and comfortable, I am not nervous.
“But what is it? I never got an answer for that. I am happy with the win of course. I don’t know, I’m an old man.”
The Dutch legend knows he’ll need to raise his game when he faces Jonny Clayton in round two after the Welshman reached the semi-finals of last week’s World Grand Prix.
He added: “Tomorrow against Jonny Clayton has to be much better than this.
“He is an amazing player but I am not scared because tomorrow I will be there.
“This is not going to go for two days. I don’t know, I ate well and took a rest.
“But travelling all the time on airplanes makes me tired.
“I’m not the youngest anymore, I am like 58.”
Van Barneveld hasn’t reached a semi-final on the ProTour this year despite playing all 32 events and last made the final four in a major at the 2022 Grand Slam of Darts.
