Darts’ Diabetes Drain: Barney Blasts Health Neglect

Raymond van Barneveld, a name synonymous with darts excellence, is embarking on another quest to conquer the prestigious World Matchplay. Despite a glittering career, the coveted title has eluded the legendary Dutchman, and at 58, time is of the essence. His campaign begins with a blockbuster first-round encounter against familiar foe Michael van Gerwen.

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While clashes between ‘Barney’ and ‘MvG’ have consistently delivered thrilling spectacles, both icons enter this match with form that’s a shadow of their former selves. Van Barneveld, in particular, acknowledges the challenges that come with age.

The Ravages of Time and Diabetes

“The results aren’t where I want them to be,” Van Barneveld admitted on a recent podcast. “I’m struggling to find the optimal setup, and mentally, I’m not quite there yet. I’ve still got a few days to fine-tune things before heading to Blackpool.”

He elaborated on the physical hurdles he faces: “Sometimes my body just isn’t the same anymore. It’s age, of course. I experience blurred vision at times due to my diabetes, and I often have freezing cold hands.”

The Dutchman also spoke about his practice routine, suggesting it might be contributing to his fatigue. “I usually practice for three hours before a match, which might be too much. Perhaps I need to limit it to two hours to conserve energy. My focus isn’t always there. On the practice board, I’m hitting 180s and 140s consistently, but as soon as I step onto the stage, it’s like 60, 60, 59. I shake my head in disbelief because I can’t understand why it’s happening. I’m still trying to figure it out.”

Van Barneveld is adamant that his health issues significantly impact his darting ambitions. “People underestimate diabetes. I don’t want to dwell on it, but it’s a mental killer,” he stated. “Some moments I feel my age, 58, but within minutes on stage, I feel 85. Then, a few minutes later, I’m back again. The fluctuating sugar levels drain my energy, affect my balance, and impair my focus.”

He highlighted the unpredictable nature of his condition: “Sometimes I can reel off 12 and 11-dart legs, and then take 21 darts to hit a double. There’s no consistent solution. I spoke to Gary Anderson recently, and he mentioned that he avoids eating while playing. I find that unbelievable, as I need food to prevent dizziness and keep my body functioning.”

Van Barneveld continues his search for consistent energy and focus, acknowledging the difficulty in finding a reliable solution. He referenced other players who battled diabetes, such as Jamie Caven, Andy Hamilton, and Colin Lloyd, noting their eventual departures from the sport, suggesting the condition’s long-term impact.

A Fierce Rivalry Renewed

Facing Van Gerwen, however, provides Van Barneveld with ample motivation to recapture past glories and deliver a stellar performance. “Michael and I have a long history,” he said. “I remember a World Championship match where I averaged 109 and only won two sets. He beat me 6-2. What more could I have done?”

He reminisced about their numerous encounters: “We’ve had so many great battles, and Michael has usually come out on top. But I’ve also had some crucial wins against him, including at the World Championship and in the Premier League final. I know I’m capable of beating him.”

Van Barneveld recalled a recent victory over Van Gerwen on the Euro Tour and expressed his anticipation for their upcoming match. “Michael is always a formidable opponent, especially when he’s hitting his treble 19s. He’s still ranked number three in the world. But, to be honest, the rankings don’t matter that much in the top 16. They’re all quality players. Whether you face the number one or the number 16, it’s going to be a tough match. A clash against Michael van Gerwen is always special. Everyone wants to see it.”

Focusing on the Board, Not the Opponent

Despite Van Gerwen’s world number three status, his recent form has been inconsistent, adding another layer of intrigue to their encounter. “I’ve known Michael for years, and he always rises to the occasion against me,” Van Barneveld acknowledged. “He knows I can beat him, particularly if he’s not 100% focused due to personal matters.”

However, Van Barneveld insists his primary focus is on his own game. “I’m playing the board this Monday. I’m not playing Michael van Gerwen. I’ll focus on playing my best and see what happens. I saw him at the World Series events in Poland and New York, and he wasn’t at his best. But he knows he has to play well to beat me, and that’s what I’m preparing for. I need to average around 100 to have a chance.”

The Enduring Appeal of Darts

Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Van Barneveld’s passion for darts remains unwavering. “First and foremost, it’s the crowd. They always keep me motivated. When they sing ‘Barney Army,’ it’s an incredible feeling to perform in front of a crowd, whether it’s in Germany, the UK, or anywhere else. That’s what keeps me going,” he explained.

He also addressed the less glamorous side of the sport: “It’s not always easy dealing with defeats several times a week. People don’t see that. We play midweek Pro Tours or qualifiers, and then Euro Tour events. So, sometimes we experience three or four losses in a single week. I struggle to handle even one loss, so imagine dealing with three or four! And that’s just one week out of 52.”

Looking ahead to the World Matchplay, Van Barneveld isn’t fixated on winning. Instead, his goal is to perform to the best of his ability and showcase the skills that have made him a legend in the sport.

“I just want to play good darts,” he concluded. “Last week in Kiel, my performance was unacceptable – an 83 average. I need to find answers to that. I still have to work hard to compete at the highest level, especially against the new generation of players like Luke Littler, Michael Smith, Luke Humphries, and Gerwyn Price. Michael is still a force to be reckoned with, even if his recent results haven’t been great. You can never underestimate him.”