Raymond van Barneveld has announced he will skip a large part of the PDC circuit over the coming months in a bid to rediscover his form and enjoyment of darts. The five-time world champion, who has struggled with poor results and a mental battle, will step back after the Players Championship events on Monday and Tuesday in Leicester. 'I still have some exhibitions scheduled. I'll play those, but otherwise I'm stepping back until September,' Van Barneveld told NU.nl. 'I'll still pick a few, but I'm going to skip multiple tournaments. Carrying on like this makes no sense whatsoever. Not even if it costs me the World Championship.'
Van Barneveld described his current form as 'mega—really mega—bad' and compared his mental state to a chronically injured footballer. 'My form isn't just a bit off, it's completely gone. ... I'm chronically injured, especially mentally, and I can't recover. Right now it's incredibly tough for me.' Despite speculation about retirement, he is not ready to quit. 'Because I don't want to be remembered as the wall of complaints. I want to win tournaments.'
A fresh start in England is central to his plans. On May 26, Van Barneveld will get the keys to his new home in Milton Keynes, where he will live with his girlfriend Julia. 'People don't need to worry that I'm gone for good. My children feared that too. I'll shuttle between The Hague and England every few weeks. But I won't rule out settling there if I like it.' The location is strategic: 'The venue where the floor tournaments in Milton Keynes are held is close by. I'll get to events much quicker.'
Van Barneveld has also signed with a new management company, Invictus Darts Management, where he will be guided by Steve Mottershead, former manager of his old rival Phil Taylor. 'Steve said recently: your head belongs on darts' Mount Rushmore. You're one of the four faces of the sport,' said Van Barneveld. 'That did open my eyes a bit.' He remains convinced a turnaround is possible: 'It can flip just like that. Although it seems like opponents always bring their A-game against me.'
