Barney breaks through barrier: will there be room in PDC monopoly for further restriction removal?

Raymond van Barneveld's return to the World Seniors Darts stage last week caused quite a stir as well as enthusiasm in the darts world. The five-time world champion unexpectedly received permission from the PDC to participate in the televised tournament World Seniors Darts Champion of Champions, which takes place Sunday in Portsmouth. Jason Francis, co-owner of World Seniors Darts, sees this as a possible turning point.

Van Barneveld's participation in the World Seniors tournament is remarkable, given the PDC's strict rules that usually prevent active players from participating in external competitions. Nevertheless, an exception was made in this case. The event, which includes former Tour Card holders Simon Whitlock, Mervyn King and Steve Beaton, will be broadcast on Pluto TV.

According to Francis, this is exactly what the sport benefits from. Through the senior circuit, icons get the chance to share the stage again, even as they head toward their darts retirement. “We’ve got a World Championship coming up in February,” said Francis.

“I would love to see Gary Anderson, Peter Wright, Mensur Suljovic, Barney… there are other darts players over 45 who would think, ‘I wouldn’t mind putting a World Seniors Championship on my CV and I would mind winning it at the Circus Tavern.’”

Yet it remains uncertain whether this wish will materialize any time soon. The permission for Van Barneveld appears to be an exception for now. Francis argues that the key lies not with PDC chief Matt Porter, with whom he says he maintains open and constructive contact, but with Matchroom, Barry Hearn's sports empire, which oversees both the PDC and the World Snooker Tour.

“We’ve been very restricted in the players we can use. I’ve had an ongoing dialogue with Matt Porter and have invited him to lift all restrictions on all players. I don’t know Matt personally. I understand he does an incredibly good job and is very well respected in how he runs the PDC.

Under the current arrangement, active PDC players must individually apply for permission to compete in a Seniors event. According to Francis, that creates neither clarity nor transparency.

“He hasn’t agreed to lift all of the restrictions. He has reminded players they are free to apply for permission. What that means, I don’t know. In this case, Raymond van Barneveld has been given permission to play in a World Seniors event."

The question now is whether this decision sets a precedent. Francis hopes Van Barneveld will open the door for others. According to him, the appeal of the World Seniors tour lies not only in nostalgia, but also in sporting relevance. Players with rich careers who are still reaching a high level deserve a stage, according to him.

“Darts fans are the winners here. They have another tournament where they can see a top PDC player play in another broadcast event. I hope we will soon be in a world where every player is free to play in anything they want.