Ronnie claims Barney victory in Birmingham

25/03/2010

Ronnie beat Raymond van Barneveld with a fine 8-4 victory in Birmingham on night 7 of The Whyte & Mackay Premier League.

Barney got off to a flying start, taking leg 1 in just 13 darts which included 2 maximum 180's. However that was as far as the Dutchmans leg wins went as Baxter rocketed into the lead taking the next 5 legs.

Barney recovered after the break taking leg 7, however Baxter hit his 2nd 164 finish of the tournament to move 6-2 up.

A two dart 96 finish from Barney and double top for a 74 checkout saw him stem the tide, but Ronnie had already ensured a point on tops and then double 17 to ensure both points in the next leg.

"It was a solid performance, Raymond is a great player but it wasn't the Barney I know and has beaten me so many times. He's got to get back to his best but we all have bad patches. When he set off with two 180's in the first leg I thought he was over his problems, but you never know"

"I've been in front and been denied points recently but I stayed focused and did what I'm capable of"

The victory moves Ronnie joint second in the table with Mervyn King who lost 8-6 to Australian Simon Whitlock in a thrilling match. Next up for Baxter is a trip to Cardiff to face Whitlock.