Friday 22 February 2019 11:24, UK
Raymond van Barneveld paid an emotional tribute to a raucous Dublin crowd after rallying back from 5-1 down to secure a 6-6 Premier League draw with Mensur Suljovic on Thursday night.
The Dutchman, who is to retire from professional darts following the 2019/20 World Darts Championship, admitted the thought of him potentially not returning to Dublin inspired him to put on one last show.
With the 3Arena on its feet and singing his name, he told Sky Sports: "You have to give it to the crowd.
"It's the last time I'm here in Dublin for the Premier League so I had to just fight and give it all back for them.
"There was no one single leg apart from the first leg where I felt comfortable. I played well in the practice room, hit my triples and doubles, but never felt comfortable tonight apart from the crowd support.
"Don't get me wrong, the reception is there every single week, but they love the Barney Army and I want to give them more."
Barney has two points from his three matches so far this season after pegging back Gerwyn Price in Glasgow last week.
"Tonight I was lucky," he added. "I should have lost tonight. I should have lost last week. I know I can do better. I'm battling every single week, practising every single day."
With the volume rising, the 51-year-old turned to salute his Dublin faithful and soak up the love.
"The motivation is there and I cannot play darts without the motivation of the crowd. I love you guys!"
With Van Barneveld off the stage, Wayne Mardle then paid tribute to the trailblazing effect of Barney.
"He's changed the way game is right now. Maybe if it wasn't for the influence of Raymond, we wouldn't have had the influx of all the great Europeans - Michael van Gerwen may not have picked up a dart.
"That man was one of the reasons Phil Taylor was so big. He had a rival. He was the first to come over and stick it to Phil. He deserves everything he gets."
The Premier League is back in England next Thursday when World Championship quarter-finalist Luke Humphries joins the roadshow and Van Gerwen chases a win that would give him four wins to start a Premier League for the first time.
The Premier League heads to the Westpoint Arena, Exeter on Thursday, February 28. You can also stay up to date with all the action by following us @SkySportsDarts and get all the latest news, previews and interviews www.skysports.com/darts
