No rest for the wicked

As I told you before, I needed a break after the World Championships. I was hungry for the sun so I booked a 12-day holiday with my wife, Silvia, to Dubai. And what happened? Five days of rain. I could not believe it. Have a look at this photo if you don't believe me.

Anyway, after my return to Holland, I got back into practice mood and spent time mainly with Dutch talent Joey ten Berge. They’ve been really productive sessions.

Top of the league

This season’s Premier League Darts tournament has begun and I’m very proud to say that after two rounds I’m top of the table.

My first match was against Wayne Mardle. I can’t explain it but it was very hard to stay concentrated at the start. I was lucky that Wayne missed some doubles in the beginning of the match and later on I played better, winning the match with 8-4.

The second match against world champion John Part was much better. It was funny as we had lunch together on the day and then had to go out and beat each other in the evening. Until the break it was 3-3. I had some chances to win a leg against the darts but didn’t. When we came back on stage I immediately delivered some good scores and hit the doubles very well. Again, it finished an 8-4 win and I really am feeling the rhythm is coming back.

I am very confident about the next games. On February 14 I play Peter Manley in Manchester, February 21 is Terry Jenkins in Coventry and I face James Wade on February 28 in Bournemouth.

As you can imagine, until May my complete focus is on the Premier League. For those wanting to see me take on Phil Taylor, I play him on March 6 in Nottingham and in Liverpool on April 10. In Liverpool there will be more than 6,000 spectators. I know already it’s a match you won’t want to miss.

Besides the Premier League, I will play some Players Championships matches in the UK, Belgium and Holland.

Practice is perfect

Within a few weeks the Barney team will get new office and a practice room. I am very excited about the new practice facility. It will make the preparation for the tournaments a lot easier as the building is about two minutes from my home.

There is also the possibility of playing some poker with friends when I get some free time. As some of you already know I sometimes play poker online. It would be nice if you could sit at the same table and I could take on some of my fans. Maybe PartyPoker.com will organize something and make it possible? I’ll let you know.

Barney’s bets

My latest tip? Me! I mentioned earlier I’m currently at the top of the Premier League Darts competition so here are the latest odds from PartyBets.com for outright winners of the tournament:

P Taylor 9/4

R van Barneveld 5/2

J Wade 5/2

A Lewis 8/1

J Part 12/1

T Jenkins 20/1

W Mardle 33/1

P Manley 33/1

As you can see, The Power is favourite but I’ll be doing my best to change that. If you fancy a bet, go to PartyBets.com now.

As always, thanks for your support.