The Dutch wonder-kid has flattered to deceive since he burst onto the scene when, at just 17, he became the youngest player to ever win a major televised tournament. Michael Van Gerwen is the talk of darts at present. 12/1 looks an attractive price for Van Barneveld to go all the way. He showed this month that he still has what it takes to mix it with the best, and 5 time champion of the world is not here to make up the numbers. Being up against top opponents will bring out the best in him, throwing him in the deep end straight away, forcing him to produce those ton-plus averages that we have grown to be accustomed to in London at Christmas. However, there is a school of thought that this could favour the Dutchman. Should he win that he will most likely to be up against Scotsman Gary Anderson. He faces a tricky draw however in line to face Brendan Dolan in the second round, against whom he famously hit a 9-dart finish in the 2011 World Championship. We have witnessed numerous false rebirths from Barney since his epic triumph in 2007, but the manner in which he swept away the field to capture the Grand Slam earlier this month suggests that the Dutch master may finally be back to his best.
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