'I sweat, everything sticks, and your darts don't flow': Raymond van Barneveld laments hot World Matchplay conditions

Raymond van Barneveld discussed the positives and negatives ahead of his first-round game in the World Matchplay.

The Dutchman will face fellow countryman Michael van Gerwen, with the two having shared some memorable clashes over the years. One of their most iconic encounters came in 2016 World Championships, when Barney delivered a seismic shock by knocking out the tournament favorite. He will be hoping to replicate that performance tonight.

Hot Conditions Disadvantage For Barney

It could be tricky for the 58-year-old, as the five-time World Champion has struggled to show his best darts on stage, with him unable to replicate his throw when it matters most

In an interview with Sportnieuws.nl, he said: "Explain to me how that is possible. I try to find an explanation for that, but there just isn't one."

The Winter Gardens is a tough place to play at, with it being extremely hot on stage. This would lead to players struggling to throw the dart and due to sweat. Van Barneveld is one who suffers from this, and is 'jealous' of players who are not affected by this.

"I used to be a lot bigger, and it's always incredibly hot at the Matchplay," he said. "Then I sweat, everything sticks, and your darts don't flow as smoothly. There are players who don't have that problem at all. I sometimes wonder how they do it. There are people who always peak there, and I'm quite jealous of them."

Schedule Suits Barmey Who Deals With Diabetes

Despite this, the opening round schedule has suited van Barneveld, who preferred playing today over playing on the weekend. It gives him the opportunity to stay at home and practise, along with the bonus of not having to travel until later.

"I liked that, playing on Monday instead of, say, Saturday," Barney said. "Otherwise, everything would have been a bit shorter. Now, I can still play a few matches at home and don’t have to travel until later. I like that, and if I win, I have to play again on Wednesday, so I can really build up my energy. It takes an incredible amount of energy."

He then explained why he preferred the evening sessions over the afternoon ones, with his diabetes playing a significant role in the decision.

"For me, it's important that I can have breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and then go to the gym. If I had to go in the afternoon, it would be rushed, and I’d only be able to eat a maximum of two times. That’s difficult with my diabetes. That’s why I naturally prefer playing in the evening."