Raymond van Barneveld given green light by PDC to go against normal regulations
Raymond van Barneveld has shocked darts fans by entering a non-PDC TV tournament. The Dutch legend has accepted a wildcard invite to play in the World Seniors Champion of Champions tournament later this month.
Typically, PDC Tour Card holders cannot participate in televised or streamed events outside the PDC's jurisdiction, but an exception has been made for the five-time world champion. Van Barneveld's involvement in a World Seniors event had sparked speculation over the 58-year-old's future in the PDC.
However, he remains within the PDC fold, with the powers that be sanctioning his request to compete at the MODUS Live Lounge in Portsmouth on June 29. When contacted by the Mirror, the PDC confirmed: "Raymond has asked for, and been granted, permission to play in the event."
Meanwhile, Jason Francis, chairman of World Seniors Darts, assured fans that all protocols were observed. On social media, Francis confirmed: "RVB followed the correct procedures, and permission was granted. It's all good."
Responding to ex-world champion Keith Deller's query about whether other players could make similar requests, Francis said: "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."
Van Barneveld is set to face off against icons like Simon Whitlock, Steve Beaton and Mervyn King, who will form part of the 12-play field in Portsmouth. The former Premier League champion insists he is taking the tournament deadly seriously, saying: "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.
"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.
"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."
There's no indication that Van Barneveld intends to quit the PDC Tour, although he could play in fewer tournaments as he heads towards the end of his career. He is on course to be part of the field at the upcoming World Matchplay in Blackpool, which starts on July 19.
The exception to play in the Champion of Champions potentially opens the door to lower-ranked PDC players and stars of Van Barneveld's age to compete in the MODUS Super Series and World Seniors events.
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