Darts legend Raymond van Barneveld was involved in a health scare at the players' championship Super Series in Milton Keynes.
The five-times world champion, back on the Professional Darts Corporation circuit after a short-lived retirement, was suddenly taken ill at the Marshall arena around 30 minutes after he was knocked out of the tournament 6-1 by Ryan Searle in the first round.
Barney, who has a history of diabetes-related issues, received medical treatment from paramedics but was NOT taken to hospital.
The 53-year-old former postman returned to his hotel room on the complex at stadium:mk to be monitored as play was suspended on all boards.
It is believed Barney, who was diagnosed with diabetes back in 2009, had been marking another game when he was taken ill.
The Dutchman – hugely popular among fans and rivals alike - has put himself through punishing fitness regimes in the gym and diets to get fitter.
He once said: “I'm in my fifties now, I'm not that young any more and I'm not going to get any younger. From now on, it'a hard work at the gym for me every day.”
Van Barneveld, who has spoken in the past about his battles with diabetes – notably problems with his weight, his eyesight on stage and sudden dips in his energy levels – retired in December 2019 after his shock defeat at the PDC World Championship against American outsider Darin Young.
But he performed a U-turn months later, and battled through the PDC Q school last month to regain his Tour card.
His comeback has already been rewarded with victory at one of the early Super Series events in Bolton, which put him on course to qualify for this year's World Championship.
The PDC issued a statement about Barney's scare, saying: “Raymond van Barneveld received medical treatment after being taken ill at Friday's Players Championship 8.
“Van Barneveld was defeated in the first round of the PDC Super Series 2 event in Milton Keynes, and later required medical assistance after becoming unwell in the arena.
“He was treated by paramedics but has not required hospital treatment, and returned to his hotel room at the Marshall Arena to be further monitored.
“Play was suspended whilst Van Barneveld received treatment before resuming at 1445 GMT.”
