Barneveld retires from professional darts with immediate effect

[Eric the Half a Bee]

Got to say that it was coming. Out of the Premier League, where he didn't really merit being included, out of the top 16 so no chance of making the remaining ranking tournaments, and he'd be out of the top 32 by the time the Worlds come about.

Sad demise to the career of one of the greatest of all time. His switch to the PDC was arguably one of the most pivotal moments in darts history.

[jamieccfc]

I remember being gutted he lost that BDO final to klassen

[Eric the Half a Bee]

I remember being gutted he lost that BDO final to klassen

Lost to a youngster who averaged 90 in a World final. I could imagine that hurt.

I've just looked at averages from BDO World finals. Phil Taylor still holds the record for the highest ever average at a BDO World final, followed by Eric Bristow twice and Phil Taylor again.

[The Bob Banker Spanker]

And now he’s just come out of retirement.

[RygeTheRam]

It's an utter shame as he has been a top player for many years and a pleasure to watch. A gent both on ad off the screen. I was fortunate enough to play a round of golf with him randomly in Tenerife, really top bloke.