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Vincent van der Voort believes recent Raymond van Barneveld equipment tweak might be reason behind struggles

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 11:55 AM ET

Raymond van Barneveld endured a frustrating first-round exit at the 2025 European Darts Open in Leverkusen, falling to Swedish outsider Andreas Harrysson. Despite a promising start and strong scoring, the Dutch legend’s doubles deserted him—ultimately costing him the match.

The five-time world champion’s early departure is one of the key topics in the latest episode of the Darts Draait Door podcast. The panel, including former pro and close friend Vincent van der Voort, took a closer look at Van Barneveld’s struggles—and a recent tweak in his equipment that might be contributing.

Doubles Disaster

While Harrysson may be unfamiliar to some, Van der Voort was quick to dispel the notion that the Swede was merely making up the numbers. “He’s a seriously good player,” Van der Voort said. “He’s not just there to fill a spot on the Euro Tour.”

Even so, Van Barneveld appeared in control early on, scoring heavily and dictating the pace—only to falter at the finishing line time and again. A string of missed doubles ultimately handed the initiative, and the match, to Harrysson.

“It’s tough to say what exactly went wrong,” Van der Voort added. “You’d think that after all these years, he’d be solid in that department—but it just doesn’t always work like that.”

New Gear, New Issues?

One possible factor under discussion is Van Barneveld’s recent switch to so-called "smart flights"—a modern upgrade in darting technology that changes the feel of a throw. While Van der Voort supports the move, he acknowledges there may still be an adaptation period.

“I really think it’s the best option for him long-term,” he said. “The darts land nicely, his scoring is good. But he does need more practice with this setup.”

According to Van der Voort, the change in equipment demands a more compact and precise throwing style: “With this setup, you have to throw a bit tighter. He can’t just let the dart drop in like before. And that might be where the problem with doubles is coming from—you need to throw with more force and control.”

Still, he was quick to caution against overreaction. “This could just be one of those matches. Everyone has them now and then.”

Harrysson Shines Under Pressure

As for Harrysson, his performance raised eyebrows—but not for the first time. Despite a low profile at floor events, the 50-year-old Swede seems to thrive under the spotlight, having previously stunned high-profile names like Michael Smith.

“Why that is? I really don’t know,” Van der Voort said. “But you see it now and then—some players just come alive on the big stage. When it counts, they deliver.”