Van Barneveld Aims for Upset Against Van Gerwen in World Matchplay

Raymond van Barneveld is gearing up to demonstrate his enduring competitiveness as he prepares to face Michael van Gerwen in the first round of the World Matchplay on July 21, 2025. The match, which will take place at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, has generated significant anticipation among fans, particularly given the history between the two Dutch players. Van Gerwen, a three-time World Matchplay champion, is currently ranked third in the world, while Van Barneveld holds the thirty-sixth position.

The upcoming clash is not just another match for Van Barneveld; it represents an opportunity to reclaim his status among the elite players in darts. “First of all, it’s the crowd that always kept me going. It’s fantastic if they sing your song, you know, like Barney Army,” Van Barneveld shared during an interview on the Love the Darts podcast. He emphasized the importance of the audience in energizing his performances, particularly in venues across Germany and the UK.

Despite his current ranking, Van Barneveld remains determined to prove that he can still compete at a high level. He acknowledged the challenges of facing multiple defeats each week, stating, “It’s not always great, you have to handle defeats sometimes three, four days a week. No one sees this.” The mental toll of consistent losses has been a struggle for him, yet he is resolute in his desire to return to winning form.

The World Matchplay is known as a critical stage for top players, and Van Barneveld is acutely aware of his past struggles. “It is not a secret that in the majors I’m doing pretty badly and losing first rounds all the time,” he admitted. His focus is on adjusting his game to improve his results at major tournaments, where success is essential for his morale and career longevity.

Former player Paul Nicholson believes this matchup will showcase Van Barneveld’s determination. “Raymond is going to turn up in this game because he is going to want to beat Michael on this stage,” Nicholson remarked, highlighting the intensity of competition that often arises in high-stakes matches. He noted that Van Gerwen will need to be at his best to overcome the challenge presented by Van Barneveld, who is expected to elevate his performance for the occasion.

Fans can look forward to an exciting spectacle when these two rivals meet. The match not only reflects the rich history of darts but also the ongoing rivalry that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Viewers can catch the action live on Sky Sports from July 19-27, 2025, as the tournament unfolds and the best players vie for the prestigious title.