Raymond van Barneveld has laughed off his ranking as world No 18
Friday 6 November 2015 18:28, UK
Raymond van Barneveld has fired a warning to his Grand Slam of Darts rivals that he is still dangerous despite his lowly world ranking.
The Dutch legend of the oche has plummeted to No 18 in the world after an inactive and unproductive year.
But he feels ready to repeat his 2015 Grand Slam of Darts victory - you can watch him try at the Wolverhampton event, live on Sky Sports between November 7-15.
The other players know that against me, especially in a tournament like the Grand Slam of Darts, Raymond van Barneveld will show up.
"To be No 18 in the world is ridiculous for my status, I still believe I'm a top six player," Barney told Sky Sports.
"I was focused on doing well at the Premier League this year so I skipped six out of nine European tours. That causes problems with the rankings and I dropped places.
"That will come back, I'm playing really well but I haven't had luck. Recently I averaged 111 and hit eight maximums in eight legs against Joe Cullen but lost 6-2! What's that all about?"
Van Barneveld may find inspiration from his Wolverhampton win over Michael van Gerwen in the 2012 Grand Slam of Darts final.
He beat his compatriot in an enthralling match and although their fortunes have differed since, he stills feels able to repeat it.
"I've got good memories of winning the tournament three years ago," he said.
"It was an amazing final against Michael, I beat him 16-14 in the end. It was so exciting to beat the world No 1 in a final.
"It took almost five or six years to lift the trophy so it was emotional. I still feel capable of winning it again."
The Grand Slam of Darts features a football-style group stage format which stung Van Barneveld last year.
He puts that early elimination down to relaxing his focus - not something that he plans to do again.
He said: "I like the set-up of this tournament where it's a group of four and the top two go ahead - it's the Champions League of darts!
"Last year I won the first two matches then lost 5-3 to Mervyn King and was eliminated on leg difference.
Live Grand Slam of Darts
"It's hard to focus if you win the first two matches because your mind tells you that you're already there. If you win the first two and lose the third, you can be unprepared.
"But the other players know that against me, especially in a tournament like the Grand Slam of Darts, Raymond van Barneveld will show up."
Watch the Grand Slam of Darts live on Sky Sports between November 7-15.
