What can we expect from Raymond van Barneveld on his comeback? - Blog

Henry Cheal - The five-time darts World Champion Raymond van Barneveld has made a sensational return to the PDC tour after winning his two-year tour card at Q-School.

 After retiring following the 2020 World Championship, it was only a twelve month hiatus for the Dutch legend to decide that he wanted to come back to the sport that he gave so much too. 

Despite the numerous doubts on whether Barney would seal a card at the European Q-School, those doubts were put to bed thanks to some good performances that we would expect from the Dutchman. 

After sealing his two year tour card, the main debate in question is how he will do on his comeback and what we can expect from him. After all, Barney will be starting right from the bottom of the Order of Merit like he did when he first got his PDC tour card when he made the switch from the BDO. 

Despite a disastrous farewell year in 2019, where he was relegated from the Premier League and suffered a shock first round exit at the World Championship, Barney's approach to the game this time round has changed. 

This time round he feels as though that he is a different person to who he was in 2019 and has the hunger back to fight with the best. 

Barney is renowned for making the switch to the PDC and becoming World Champion at his first attempt, but it is fair to say that completing that feat for the second time is unrealistic. Despite his best game is typically on the stage in front of the large masses, usually partisan crowds, it has to be said that Barney would need to convert that on the floor consistently to qualify for the big majors once more.

 The fact that Barney is 53 shows you that he isn't back playing for the long term. The question of how long he will be in the PDC is something that remains to be seen, especially the top players and youngsters coming through the ranks. Whether Barney or not is capable of performing at his best or not, its down to him. Committing to the ProTour is something he has had difficulties with in the past and whether or not he will take part in everything that the PDC offer will depend on him.

 His talent is one of the best to ever grace the oche and the mountain might be too hard for him to climb when it comes to winning majors, but appearing at these majors might be all that he can do for these first two years back on the tour.