LOVE is powering Dutch darts legend Raymond van Barneveld back to the top.
Barney heralded a new age for the sport in continental Europe – currently maintained by fellow countryman Michael van Gerwen when he landed his first world title in 1998.
Raymond van Barneveld is in confident mood as he steps up another comeback bid at the highest level of dartsRex
But now having won the top prize five times and retired in 2020, he’s back doing it for himself.
RV8, 55, bowed out three years ago on a real low, a first-round exit in the World Championships to Darin Young, and on his first comeback last Christmas he went a stage further before succumbing to Rob Cross.
But in February this year he proposed to 37-year-old British girlfriend Julia Evans in front of the Eiffel Tower.
That came after a troubled period in which he divorced wife Silvia after more than 25 years together.
Now Barney says he is happier than ever as he prepares for a September wedding to Julia in Cyprus.
And his belief he’s at his best on the oche when he’s at his happiest in his personal life, seems to be born out by the facts – with a more relaxed arm motion.
Julia has been at the Alexandra Palace cheering him on this week.
What is Raymond van Barneveld’s net worth?
The Holland hurler has a net value of just over £5million, having first competed professionally in 1987.
The former world No1 earned around £33k a month before retiring.
Barney regained his professional tour card in February 2021 and has had a lucrative array of sponsorship deals.
He’s been connected to Target Darts, Bengi, Premium Wine House, IQ Select, EMHA, and Draaijer Turbo Service.
The winner of this year’s PDC world championship will pick up £500k – from a total prize pot of £2.5m.