Raymond van Barneveld career move get thumbs up as tournament chief says 'darts is winner'
Five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld will grace a World Seniors event this month after being given special permission to compete by the PDC
Raymond van Barneveld's announcement surprised the darting world
(Image:)
Raymond van Barneveld has received special dispensation to compete in a non-PDC event.
The darts community was taken aback this week when the Dutch icon, 58, revealed he had accepted a wildcard invite to participate in the World Seniors Champion of Champions tournament at the end of June. Normally, players with PDC Tour Cards are banned from featuring in TV or streamed competitions that aren't managed by the PDC.
Therefore, Van Barneveld's involvement in the World Seniors event led to speculation over his future at the top level. But the five-time world champion is still part of the PDC, which has sanctioned his participation in the Champion of Champions, which will be held at the MODUS Live Lounge in Portsmouth on June 29.
When approached, the PDC confirmed: "Raymond has asked for, and been granted, permission to play in the event."
Meanwhile, Jason Francis, chairman of World Seniors Darts, confirmed on social media that van Barneveld had adhered to proper protocols. He shared on X: "RVB followed the correct procedures, and permission was granted. It's all good."
In response to a question from former world champion Keith Deller about whether other PDC players could follow suit, Francis added: "The PDC contract allows players to apply for permission. In this case [we're] delighted it's been granted for @Raybar180 to play as he is a legend and a fantastic addition but 11 others will want to prove a point so should be fantastic competition. Darts is the winner here."
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Van Barneveld's announcement surprised the darting world
(Image: Getty )
Van Barneveld will renew his rivalries with the likes of Simon Whitlock, Steve Beaton and Mervyn King, who will also be part of the 12-player Champion of Champions field. He said: "I am looking forward to playing in this event.
"The sport has always loved big characters, and World Seniors Darts have brought them back, with most still playing to a high standard. They have a loyal crowd, and the popularity for the Seniors seems to grow and grow. I'm looking forward to catching up with the old faces of the sport, especially from my BDO era."
He insists he won't take his opponents lightly, adding: "I'm not coming over to Portsmouth thinking this will be easy. I will be giving my full respect to all of the players involved, and I will be preparing hard for this tournament.
Simon Whitlock will be part of the field at the Champion of Champions event
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"With players like Simon Whitlock, Steve Beaton, and Mervyn King - who've just stepped off the pro tour - plus Seniors World Champions like John Henderson, Robert Thornton and Ross Montgomery, it's going to be a real battle."
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There is no suggestion that Van Barneveld is planning to leave the PDC Tour, and he is on course to be part of the field at next month's PDC World Matchplay at Blackpool's Winter Gardens.
But his exception to play in the Champion of Champions does potentially open the door to lower-ranked PDC players and stars of Van Barneveld's age to play in the MODUS Super Series and World Seniors events.
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