Raymond van Barneveld is still yet to get his march underway at this year's World Darts Championship, but he has already been in the spotlight at Ally Pally.
Van Barneveld makes his bow at this year's championship on Saturday evening, though it was one of Thursday afternoon's games that raised eyebrows on behalf of the Dutchman.
Romeo Grbavac made his first-ever World Championship appearance on Thursday, as he took on Englishman Callan Rydz.
Grbavac's walk-out song turned heads, as the Croatian was introduced to the tune of 'Eye of the Tiger.'
Darts fans were immediately perplexed, as the Survivor tune has long been the walk-out song of choice for 2007 world champion van Barneveld.
Many took to social media to comment on Grbavac's apparent bravery in choosing a song so notably associated with a giant of the game.
Even the Sky Sports commentators remarked on the choice, pondering what van Barneveld would think if he was watching along.
The Dutchman has now responded, sharing a message he received from Grbavac on social media.
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Raymond van Barneveld responds after 'Eye of the Tiger' played at Ally Pally
On Friday morning, Raymond van Barneveld tweeted a screenshot of a conversation with Romeo Grbavac on Instagram.
Grbavac had revealed that 'Eye of the Tiger' was played in error by the organisers at Alexandra Palace, saying, "Hello Barney, this song wasn't my choice and I don't know why they played it."
😂👍🏼 Ok all is forgiven pal pic.twitter.com/AprAfqHiCS
— Raymond van Barneveld (@Raybar180) December 20, 2024
The Dutchman appeared to take it well, sharing the screenshot with a laughing emoji and saying, 'Ok all is forgiven pal.'
Unfortunately for Grbavac, we won't get to hear his actual walk-out tune, as he was knocked out in Thursday's first round action. Callan Rydz took a decisive 3-0 victory to progress to the second round.
Raymond van Barneveld gets his World Darts Championship charge underway on Saturday night when he faces Welshman Nick Kenny in the second round. Kenny progressed from the first round with a 3-0 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
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