Barney in emotional Ally Pally farewell

LEGEND Raymond van Barneveld said he would “never forgive himself” as his final World Championship ended at the first hurdle.

The five-times World Champion went down 3-1 to the American Darin Young as his career finished on a low point at the Alexandra Palace.

Barney rarely looked comfortable during his farewell and five missed darts at the doubles to force a final set summed up his night.

He said: “I played really bad tonight. I was surprised nothing more. Darin played really good, all credit to him. And that’s it.

“I lost first round in my disaster year. I will never forgive myself. Never ever.”

When asked about all the special things he had done in his career, a disconsolate Barney said: “Did I?”

The writing was on the wall for RVB when he lost the first set to Young, despite an incredible reception during the walk-on from his adoring fans.

Barney immediately hit back to take the second set and Young was getting fired-up by the crowd who were backing the Dutchman.

It was almost eerie as the Ally Pally went deathly silent when Young had opportunities to checkout and win legs.

There were flashes of the old Barney. When he looked in trouble in the fourth set, he somehow found a couple of big 180s to force it to 2-2 in legs.

But just when he seemed to be in control and take it to a deciding set, he blew five darts at the doubles to let Young in with a 74 and tops kill to end Barney’s hopes and end an era on the oche.

Rob Cross, World Champion two years ago, also crashed out 3-0 to Belgian Kim Huybrechts.

Words: Phil Lanning

Images: Taylor Lanning