One darts star has been left unhappy by a decision from the authorities
Darts icon Raymond van Barneveld has launched a complaint aimed at the likes of Luke Littler, Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen. Van Barneveld has been around the darting block, but the Dutchman is keen for one major change to be introduced.
A five-time world champion, Van Barneveld knows a thing or two about the sport. However, the veteran is concerned the top-ranking players in darts are now playing each other too often.
Speaking on the Dartpraat podcast, Van Barneveld revealed he isn’t a fan of the new-look Premier League format that has been in place since 2022. Instead, the 57-year-old would prefer a return to the old-style arrangement, which saw one match for each competitor per night.
He said: “Whether it was a Premier League or a World Championship, you could always build towards it. Van Barneveld against Van Gerwen, Van Barneveld against [Phil] Taylor and Van Gerwen against Taylor. You could look forward to that.
Now I don’t like anything about it. Every week Luke Littler against Humphries or Littler against Van Gerwen. I think it’s too much. And then two days later on the Euro Tour they are playing against each other again.”
While Van Barneveld might be open to change, the current Premier League format continues to serve up plenty of entertainment. That was the case on Thursday evening, as an in-form Littler waltzed his way to a fourth win of the 2024 season.
The result confirmed Littler’s place in this month’s playoffs, with the teenage sensation eyeing up an impressive tournament win on his Premier League debut. And speaking after his final triumph against Rob Cross in Aberdeen, Littler admitted he still has room for improvement.
When quizzed on whether he’s the best player in the world right now, the 17-year-old replied: “No [I’m not the best player in the world right now]. I don’t know who is, but not me.
“I think I’ve definitely settled myself into it [Premier League Darts]. The first few weeks were okay, but I’ve settled. I know the routine. I can now settle in Leeds next week and then Sheffield and just play with freedom. I will aim to win the other two nights but if it’s not to be it is all focused on London.”
Much to the frustration of Van Barneveld, the Premier League circus rolls on next week when the players head to Leeds. It marks the penultimate night of regular season action before the playoffs take place in London on May 23rd.
