Van Barneveld Turns Back the Clock in Budapest with a stunning performance “To produce that on a big stage again is special”

There are certain moments in sport when time seems to stand still, when a veteran steps onto the stage and reminds everyone why they became a legend in the first place. On Saturday evening in Budapest, that moment belonged to Raymond van Barneveld.

The 57-year-old Dutchman produced one of his finest European Tour displays in years at the Hungarian Darts Trophy, rolling back the years to dismantle Dave Chisnall 6-1. It wasn’t just the result that stunned the crowd inside the MVM Dome, but the manner of the performance. Van Barneveld averaged 107.97, fired in five 180s and sealed the match with a sublime 144 checkout — a finish that carried the swagger of his world-title winning days.

“Today it just clicked,” Van Barneveld admitted afterwards, smiling like a man who had rediscovered a long-lost rhythm. “I’ve been working on a few little changes and finally it all came together. To produce that on a big stage again is special.”

It was more than just a win. It was a reminder that even in the twilight of his career, Van Barneveld still has the ability to light up a tournament. His next test could hardly be tougher: a showdown with Gerwyn Price, the 2021 Hungarian champion and one of the sport’s most relentless competitors.

Price Lays Down His Marker

Price himself began his campaign with a straightforward 6-2 victory over Richard Veenstra. It was efficient rather than explosive, but the Welshman is rarely flustered in the early rounds of major events.

“I wasn’t spectacular, but I did enough,” he reflected. “The important thing is I’ve got plenty more in the tank. I’ve been playing really good darts this year, and if things fall my way there’s no reason I can’t go all the way here.”

Their clash sets up one of the most anticipated ties of the tournament. Van Barneveld’s renaissance against Price’s steely pursuit of silverware promises drama, and in Budapest’s atmospheric MVM Dome, it could be the tie that defines the weekend.

Big Names Eyeing the Prize

Saturday wasn’t just about Barney and Price. It was also the day the heavy hitters arrived. Defending champion Michael van Gerwen began his title defence with a solid 6-2 win over Matthew Dennant, and though the three-time World Champion admitted he wasn’t at his peak, few doubt his ability to grow into tournaments. His all-Dutch clash with Danny Noppert in the last 16 is already being billed as one of the matches to watch.

World number one Luke Humphries also moved through the gears in a 6-4 victory over Nathan Aspinall. Three classy checkouts — 68, 72 and 130 — highlighted his composure under pressure, and his confidence looked renewed following his Czech Darts Open win last week. Humphries now faces Mike De Decker, the in-form Belgian who is quickly carving out a reputation as one of the circuit’s toughest operators.

And then there was Luke Littler. The reigning World Champion continues to make winning look effortless. Against Joe Cullen he was ruthless, pinning six doubles from just eight attempts in a 6-1 rout. At only 17, Littler’s poise on stage is remarkable, and his upcoming tie with Germany’s Martin Schindler is another fascinating clash of styles: youthful brilliance versus seasoned discipline.

Rising Stars Making Noise

Josh Rock’s rise through the ranks has been one of darts’ most compelling stories in the last 18 months, and in Budapest he once again showcased why he’s tipped for future greatness. In a 6-4 victory over Ricardo Pietreczko, Rock had to withstand a barrage of huge checkouts — 124, 126, 161 — but held his nerve to progress.

He now faces Frenchman Thibault Tricole, who produced arguably the shock of the day by toppling Stephen Bunting. Tricole’s fightback from 5-2 down, saving eight match darts along the way, underlined both his tenacity and the unpredictability of the European Tour.

Elsewhere, Rob Cross boosted his European Championship qualification hopes with a 102 average in victory over Daryl Gurney, while James Wade reminded everyone of his own class with two spectacular checkouts — 135 and 156 — during a gritty win over Peter Wright.

A Tournament on the Rise

What makes the Hungarian Darts Trophy unique is not only the quality of the field but also the passion of the Budapest crowd. The MVM Dome has quickly become one of the most vibrant venues on the European Tour, with a fan base that combines football-style chanting with genuine appreciation of the game.

As the tournament heads into its decisive final day, the storylines are stacked. Can Van Barneveld continue his fairytale run against Price? Will Van Gerwen defend his crown on home soil? Is Littler set to add yet another title to his growing collection? Or could Rock, De Decker, or another of the new generation make their breakthrough moment?

What is certain is that Finals Day in Budapest will not lack drama. With quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final all crammed into one session-packed Sunday, fans are set for a feast of world-class darts.

Van Barneveld Turns Back the Clock in Budapest with a stunning performance

2025 Hungarian Darts Trophy

Saturday September 20

Round Two

Afternoon Session

Martin Schindler 6-2 Ryan Joyce

Cameron Menzies 6-4 Ross Smith

Danny Noppert 6-5 Rob Owen

Chris Dobey 6-3 Darren Beveridge

Rob Cross 6-3 Daryl Gurney

James Wade 6-3 Luke Woodhouse

Kim Huybrechts 6-5 Peter Wright

Raymond van Barneveld 6-1 Dave Chisnall

Evening Session

Niko Springer 6-1 Damon Heta

Gerwyn Price 6-2 Richard Veenstra

Michael van Gerwen 6-2 Matthew Dennant

Luke Littler 6-1 Joe Cullen

Luke Humphries 6-4 Nathan Aspinall

Thibault Tricole 6-5 Stephen Bunting

Josh Rock 6-3 Ricardo Pietreczko

Mike De Decker 6-2 Tom Bissell

Sunday September 21

Afternoon Session (1300 local time, 1200 BST)

Round Three

Chris Dobey v Cameron Menzies

Michael van Gerwen v Danny Noppert

Gerwyn Price v Raymond van Barneveld

Luke Littler v Martin Schindler

James Wade v Kim Huybrechts

Thibault Tricole v Josh Rock

Rob Cross v Niko Springer

Luke Humphries v Mike De Decker