Five-time champion Raymond van Barneveld has the stomach to take on “fighter” Gerwyn Price after overcoming a bout of food poisoning to get his 30th PDC World Darts Championship appearance off to a winning start.
The Dutchman enjoyed a 3-1 win over Ryan Meikle at Alexandra Palace to set up a clash with world number one Price on Tuesday.
Van Barneveld, who reached the semi-finals in the Grand Slam of Darts last month, averaged 115.6 to win the second set and then took advantage of a dip in form from his opponent.
“I’m so happy that I won,” the 55-year-old said. “On Monday we went to the old Chinese restaurant in Piccadilly Circus; I was in bed the whole day with food poisoning and could not practice on Tuesday.
“Three darts in practice, I was tired, sitting down and not well. My whole stomach was gone and I was thinking if I manage to play I’m already happy. To play like this, wow.”
The five-time world champion now goes up against 2021 champion Price having beaten the 37-year-old from Markham twice in last month’s Grand Slam of Darts.
“I love Gerwyn. I always love to see him play. He is a fighter,” the Dutchman said about the top seed.
“I have got a lot of respect for Gerwyn, but I believe in myself, I’m playing well and I cannot wait to play against the world number one.”
Price began his quest for a second world title with a 3-1 victory over Luke Woodhouse at Alexandra Palace.
He had to battle back from a set down after his stuttering start, but soon showed his darting quality as he ran out the comfortable winner to take his place in the last 32.
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