Raymond van Barneveld expressed uncertainty about his future following his early exit from the Ally Pally tournament. The Dutch player was defeated in straight sets by Swiss opponent Stefan Bellmont. Despite winning the title in 2007, Van Barneveld has struggled to advance past the quarter-finals in his recent six appearances. Disappointed with his performance, the 58-year-old admitted feeling lost about his career direction after a challenging year.
Reflecting on his defeat, Van Barneveld acknowledged his opponent’s strong gameplay and lamented missed opportunities during the match. He admitted that although he performed well during practice sessions, he struggled to maintain his rhythm in the actual competition, attributing part of his loss to the opponent’s deliberate pace affecting his focus.
Van Barneveld expressed frustration at his poor results throughout the year and the need to reassess his approach to future competitions. Disheartened by his recent string of defeats, he emphasized the importance of regrouping and finding a way to overcome his current struggles. Despite his disappointment, Van Barneveld remains determined to analyze his performance and make necessary adjustments for upcoming events.
Following his elimination, Van Barneveld’s ranking in the PDC Order of Merit will decline. Meanwhile, Stefan Bellmont will prepare for his next match against Damon Heta in the tournament’s second round. The World Darts Championship is set to feature a showdown between defending champion Luke Littler and challenger Luke Humphries, promising an exciting competition this season.