Raymond van Barneveld opts out of 2026 Winmau World Masters

Raymond van Barneveld has opted out of the 2026 Winmau World Masters due to a prior playing commitment.

Van Barneveld, World Master in 2001 and 2005, will miss the season-opener in Milton Keynes in order to appear at two exhibitions at FC Twente.

With only the world’s top 24 players qualifying automatically for the World Masters, world number 36 Van Barneveld would need to win three qualifying matches in order to reach the televised stages.

Van Barneveld also skipped last year’s qualifying event and revealed the reason behind his absence this year: “I’ve got a bit of a twinge in my lower back and after the Worlds I’ve hardly picked up a dart.

“I also only got back yesterday from a 14-day holiday in Thailand. But that’s not really it.

“Before the PDC calendar came out, I accepted two exhibitions with the FC Twente business club.

“Then you do the math: two days at FC Twente, where I can earn good money, or nothing at all if you don’t survive qualifying. I chose the former.”

The 58-year-old was dumped out of the World Championship in the opening round by Switzerland’s Stefan Bellmont last month, prompting speculation over his future as a Tour Card holder.

However, it would appear the Dutch icon intends to continue competing on the PDC circuit in 2026, with his first appearance likely to come in Hildesheim for the opening two Players Championship events from February 9-10.

The qualifying stage of the Winmau World Masters takes place on Wednesday January 28, before the main event runs from January 29 to February 1 at Arena MK.

Eight qualifiers will join the top 24 players from the main Order of Merit in the £500,000 ranking tournament, which will be the first major under the new Matchroom production on ITV Sport.