It’s much easier than winning it yourself
Darts enthusiasts from all over the world that would like to own their own World Cup will be buoyed by the news that former five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld is putting his trophies up for sale via Assen-based auction website Catawiki, as reported by the Asser Courant.
Van Barneveld is one of the most decorated darts players in history. Born in The Hague, he was ranked first in the men’s game for more than a year. He also found success in the doubles league, winning the world cup for the Netherlands on more than one occasion (and pairing with world-champion Michael van Gerwen.
Catawiki is one of the fastest-growing companies in the Netherlands, and has seen exceptional success since establishing in Assen a few years ago.
It has become famous for having rare, odd, or interesting lots, and Van Barneveld’s trophies fit in with the theme.
In a conversation with the Dutch public broadcaster NOS, “Barney” announced that he would put everything under the hammer from next Friday.
“I have nothing more to do with it, seriously. It also seems good to offer it to the fans who have followed me for years”, says Van Barneveld. “A lot of people will say: he’s going through a divorce and needs money. Well, you can see my bank statements, that’s certainly not the case.”
Van Barneveld actually wants to use the money to set up his own professional team. “I can use the money to realise my dream.”
Raymond van Barneveld has, over the course of his career, won the following:
Five World Championships (1998, 1999, 2003; 2005, 2007)
Premier League (2014)
Grand Slam of Darts (2012)
Two UK Opens (2006, 2007)
Two World Masters (2001, 2005)
Two World Darts Trophies (2003, 2004)
Four Finder Darts Masters titles (1995, 2001, 2003; 2004)
Image via Flickr user Chris Ibbotson. License here.
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