Raymond van Barneveld made a quick start against Cam Crabtree but it was a tense encounter and he finally got over the line to win 6-4.
I put myself in trouble. 60s, 45s… That wasn’t happening on the practice board, where I was only hitting 140s and 180s.
But I’m happy with the win; it wasn’t an easy match for me. What can I say, it was crap.
Raymond van Barneveld
Raymond van Barneveld looked back at his win over Cam Crabtree.
I was really nervous at the start, I don’t know why.
Last week at the UK Open, I tried several setups, but they didn’t work.
So, in front of a crowd like this, I was quite nervous.
Raymond van Barneveld
Raymond van Barneveld admits he has been “struggling mentally” after being very ill.
The five-times World Champion has opened up for the first time on a tough start to 2025.
Barney, 57, won his opening clash at the Belgian Open against Cam Crabtree which he also described as “crap” and a change of SHOES.
I’ve been struggling mentally in recent weeks.
I was very ill in January, and it’s still taking its toll.
I’m tired every day, so I’m just trying to fight my way to better results.
Raymond van Barneveld
Credit: Rex