Premier League: Raymond van Barneveld says Dutch fans favour him over Michael van Gerwen
Saturday 2 April 2016 14:27, UK
Raymond van Barneveld is counting on more support from the Netherlands than for his compatriot Michael van Gerwen in this week’s Premier League Darts duel.
The Dutch pair are the star attraction in Cardiff on Thursday night, live on Sky Sports, in the latest chapter to their exciting rivalry.
And elder statesman Barney insists fans in their homeland still prefer him to world No 1 Van Gerwen because they remember his early, iconic world championships.
Michael's always told me he didn't have an idol in darts. But everyone started to play darts when they saw me playing, and winning Lakeside.
"Yes of course, because nobody forgets 1998 and 1999," Van Barneveld told Sky Sports. "It was all over our TV stations at the time.
"People watch the darts in Holland but they especially watch the World Championship and Premier League, and they saw me beating Michael again [in January]. So I'm more popular than Michael in Holland.
"But in England, I don't know. When we play exhibitions together I see a lot of people who want his autograph and picture.
"Michael has never told me I'm his hero. He's always told me he didn't have an idol in darts. But everyone started to play darts when they saw me playing, and winning Lakeside."
The most recent meeting between the Dutch heavyweights was in January at Ally Pally, when Van Barneveld ended a three-match losing streak to eliminate his younger foe from the World Championship.
Barney, who sits seventh in the Premier League with six points, knows he must produce a flawless follow-up to record successive wins against table-topper Van Gerwen.
"I was very proud [of the World Championship win] but, at the end, it didn't matter because I didn't win the title," he said.
"Everyone was talking well about me but, for me, it was just one game that I won. You're always happy to go further in the World Championship but, unless you win it, it's just one game. Last year he beat me 13 times, I beat him four times.
"You try to play your best every week but especially in these games against Michael. You can't slow down, this man is in world form. The standard Michael is playing is not normal, it's bizarre."
Watch Premier League Darts 'Judgement Night' on Thursday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD at 7pm. Or watch live for £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV.
