Raymond van Barneveld is back in the winner’s circle after a terrific performance to win the European Darts Open in Dusseldorf.
In front of a sell-out crowd of nearly 2,000 – the Unicorn ace beat Dave Chisnall 6-4 in the final to claim the £15,000 winner’s cheque.
And it will be a massive confidence boost with the World Matchplay just around the corner.
“It is a big moment for me,” said Barney. “It was an unbelievable crowd and atmosphere and I just kept going all day.”
“To win four matches in one day under that pressure takes some doing and it has come at a great time with the World Matchplay so close. I am determined to do well at Blackpool and this win will do my confidence the world of good!”
His marathon Sunday started with a 6-4 victory and a 104 average in the 3rd Round against fellow Dutchman Gino Vos.
From 0-2 down, he reeled off six straights legs to win the all Unicorn quarter-final against James Wade and followed that with another ton plus average in a 6-4 semi-final victory over Richie Burnett.
And in the final, he was always one step ahead of Chisnall, who has now lost in the final of two consecutive big European Tour events, having been beaten in Berlin a fortnight ago.
But Barneveld won’t be complaining!
He broke in the opening leg, only for Chisnall to level with a 100 check-out....but then Barneveld hit the first of five 180s and followed up with a 136 finish to break again and he never looked back.
The next seven legs went with throw but it was enough for Barneveld.
The Dutch star hit a 14 darter and then a 13 dart leg after his opponent had nailed a 140 check-out, but he saved the best for last!
Barneveld won it in style, with an 11 darter and 81 finish on D12 to take the prestigious title in Dusseldorf.
Colin Osborne’s great run ended in the quarter-finals.....but it was a case of job done!
The three wins and £3,000 won were enough to clinch him that place in the World Matchplay through the Pro Tour Order of Merit.
On Sunday in Dusseldorf, he enjoyed a brilliant 6-0 victory over Johnny Haines, but lost out to Mervyn King in the quarter-finals.....Osborne actually broke throw in the opening leg but missed chances after that....the only other leg he won came courtesy of a spectacular 10 dart leg!
He eventually lost 6-2 to an opponent who averaged 105, but he won’t be too disappointed after his successful weekend in Germany.
Results – Sunday – 3rd Round:
Quarter-Finals:
James Hubbard 2-6 Richie Burnett
James Wade 2-6 Raymond van Barneveld
Simon Whitlock 5-6 Dave Chisnall
Mervyn King 6-2 Colin Osborne
Losers - £3,000
Semi-Finals:
Mervyn King 3-6 Dave Chisnall
Raymond van Barneveld 6-4 Richie Burnett
Losers - £5,000
Final:
Raymond van Barneveld 6-4 Dave Chisnall
Winner - £15,000
Runner-up - £7,500
By STUART PYKE
Photo courtesy Carsten Arlt, PDC Europe