Raymond van Barneveld is one of the biggest names in darts. Having won five world championships during his time in the BDO and PDC, he is one of the most successful too. 'Barney' is set to return at the end of the year, and having been eliminated from contention in the Premier League, tonight was his final time to play in the competition.
He would do so in his native Holland, walking out in front of a massive crowd in Rotterdam. As his trademark 'Eye of the Tiger' played one final time, you could see the emotion on his face.
Spine Tingling!
Too emotional as Raymond van Barneveld makes his final ever Premier League Walk-On...
What an atmosphere! pic.twitter.com/yOr5W5a831— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 28, 2019
The result would not go his way, however, falling to a 7-1 defeat to compatriot Michael van Gerwen.
Van Barneveld has not performed well in recent months, and he will finish the Premier League having won only one game. With his place in the World Championships looking uncertain, Barney would go on to announce that tonight was his final appearance in darts.
He has decided to call it a day, and will apparently not pursue a final World Championship appearance.
BREAKING NEWS!
Raymond van Barneveld has announced he intends to retire immediately following his exit from the Premier League... pic.twitter.com/1UlZ5xW3GT— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 28, 2019