Raymond van Barneveld rolled back the years on Day Two of the Hungarian Darts Trophy, producing a scintillating performance to book a mouth-watering showdown with former champion Gerwyn Price in Budapest.
The five-time World Champion stole the spotlight at the MVM Dome, averaging a superb 107.97 in a dominant 6-1 victory over 2023 champion Dave Chisnall. Van Barneveld fired in five 180s and sealed the win with a classy 144 checkout, leapfrogging Chisnall on the European Tour rankings in the process.
“Today it just clicked,” reflected Van Barneveld, who is chasing his first European Tour quarter-final of 2025.
“I went back to the shorter stems a couple of weeks ago and I feel more positive.
“I often don’t manage to take my form from the practice room on to the stage, but today it worked and I’m really happy with this win.”
Awaiting the Dutch legend is Gerwyn Price, who opened his title challenge with a routine 6-2 success over Richard Veenstra. The Welshman, who beat Van Barneveld at last weekend’s World Series of Darts Finals, is confident of another deep run.
“It wasn’t spectacular, but I did enough and I’ve got plenty more in the tank,” insisted Price.
“I’m playing fantastic darts this year. I just need a little bit of luck, but there’s no reason why I can’t go and lift this trophy again.”
Elsewhere, Luke Humphries, Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen all advanced to Finals Day, as the tournament gathered momentum in front of a record-breaking crowd. Van Gerwen will meet Danny Noppert in an all-Dutch round three clash, while Humphries renews his rivalry with World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker.
Round Three takes place on Sunday afternoon, ahead of the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final in the evening session.
Source: PDC.TV
