Raymond van Barneveld claimed victory in Saturday’s Speedy Services UK Open Qualifier Five at the Barnsley Metrodome, hitting a sensational nine-dart finish along the way.

Photo: PDC

The popular Dutchman beat Andy Smith 6-3 in the final to clinch his first Pro-Tour triumph since last September, earning himself £6000 in prize money for the win, plus a £400 bonus for his perfect leg.

That nine-darter, his ninth since joining the PDC, came in a third round success over Michael Barnard, after he had already seen off Sam Hill and Mareno Michels.

The five-time world champion then overcame the challenges of Simon Whitlock and Brendan Dolan in close encounters, winning both games 6-5 to progress to the semi-finals.

‘Barney’ beat Terry Jenkins 6-4 to reach the final, where he sealed victory over Smith with an impressive average of 102.74. The Dutchman ended a successful day in style by hitting a 117 checkout in the winning leg.

“I’m very happy with the win,” said van Barneveld. “It was a tough day and it was a good final against Andy.

“I had some tough games but I believed in myself today and I’m really pleased. I was 3-0 down against Simon Whitlock and came back to win, I had a marvellous game with Brendan Dolan and I was 4-3 down against Terry Jenkins and won.

“In January I said I was going to play more tournaments on the floor and these tournaments are really hard to win so I’m happy today. I’m really pleased with the nine-darter. I’m working hard and it’s paying off.”

By Chris Murphy

Current PDC Under-21 world champion Arron Monk will face Raymond van Barneveld in Austria later this month, after qualifying for the inaugural European Tour event.

Monk will travel to Wiener Neustadt to compete in the Austrian Darts Open, which starts on April 27^th, thanks to a successful evening at Barnsley Metrodome in the UK qualifier.

The 21 year old whitewashed Paul Barham 6-0 before beating Daniel Day 6-3 to book his place at the Arena Nova.

The £81,200 tournament will be played across three days in Austria and features 64 players, with the world’s top 32 joined by 32 players who have won through the UK, European and Home Nation Qualifiers.

As one of the qualifiers, Monk knew he would have to face one of seeded players from the top 32 in the order of merit. After sealing his place he was drawn against popular Dutchman van Barneveld, who he will face in the opening round on Friday 27^th April.

The schedule of play is likely to be announced on Monday.

By Chris Murphy