Raymond van Barneveld’s World Darts Championship return ends after defeat to Rob Cross

Raymond van Barneveld’s PDC World Championship return ended with a 3-1 second-round loss to former champion Rob Cross.

Van Barneveld, a five-time world champion throughout the PDC and BDO variations, retired after a first-round loss on the event two years in the past solely to return late in 2020.

He couldn’t have made a greater begin towards eleventh seed Cross, the 2018 champion, making three 180s within the opening set and a 170 checkout within the second leg.

Raymond van Barneveld exited the World Darts Championship after shedding 3-1 to Rob Cross

Cross, a former world champion, took management after the primary leg to knock the Dutchman out

But the 54-year-old Dutchman’s type deteriorated thereafter and Cross performed effectively sufficient to dominate the final three units, shedding simply three legs.

Cross admitted he struggled to deal with the ambiance initially, telling Sky Sports: ‘It was psychological. Twenty 4 months with Covid I have never had a crowd like this and that first set I simply could not settle.

‘Fair play to Raymond, he performed completely sensible. I feel from there I began to settle somewhat bit extra however it was a tough sport. I’ve been enjoying so, so effectively, I’ve put lots of time into this. I’m simply so glad that I acquired the win.’

Cross will tackle Daryl Gurney within the third spherical after Christmas whereas there have been additionally victories within the night session for Danny Noppert and Gabriel Clemens.

Earlier, seventh seed Jose De Souza got here from two units down to defeat Jason Lowe whereas Alan Soutar received a dramatic conflict to knock out Mensur Suljovic, taking an prolonged remaining leg 6-4 having trailed by two units and two legs.

Van Barneveld loved an outstanding begin, having hit three 180s and a 170 checkout within the first set