Raymond van Barneveld is hoping to turn around his fortunes this season by claiming a hat-trick of UK Open titles in Bolton.
Dutchman hoping to make it a hat-trick of UK Open titles in Bolton.
Raymond van Barneveld is hoping to turn around his fortunes this season by claiming a hat-trick of UK Open titles in Bolton.
The Dutchman claimed his first PDC title since switching from the BDO in Bolton in 2006, and he followed that up by defending his title 12 months later.
Victories against Barrie Bates and Vincent van der Voort gave Barney back-to-back victories in Bolton and he is confident he can complete the hat-trick in front of the
Sky Sports cameras this year.
The open draw format of the UK Open is why it is called 'The FA Cup of darts', with any of the top stars able to play each other in any round.
Van Barneveld has beaten Phil Taylor in the quarter-finals in both of his title success, and he would even fancy completing that hat-trick on his way to a title treble.
Format
"I like the format of the tournament," said van Barneveld.
"In every round there's a new draw and there's always tension, it's good for TV and you can draw anyone at any time.
"In the last two years I've drawn Phil in the quarter-finals and I could maybe make it three in a row.
"It's not been my year so far but I'm good enough to come back to form. I like Bolton, I like the UK Open and I hope I'm going to make it a hat-trick."
As he looks to bounce back from a difficult season, van Barneveld has been struck down by flu, but he insists he will be fit and fighting in Bolton.
"I was really tired and still am and it had a big impact on me," added the Dutchman.
"I have been exhausted after practice this week but I'll be ready for Bolton.
Van Barneveld lost out in the semi-finals of the Premier League recently, and he admits that the huge crowds and stages during that tournament did not suit him.
Venues
With the popularity of the sport rocketing skywards bigger and bigger venues are now being used by the PDC for the Premier League.
Bolton has a more traditional feel to it with a smaller venue, and Barney says that seems to suit his game more.
"I've been successful in the tournaments with smaller crowds," he admitted.
"I won the World Championship at the Circus Tavern, twice at Bolton, and in the Las Vegas Desert Classic.
"In smaller venues it looks like I play my best and I find it harder to focus in bigger venues."
