Raymond van Barneveld: Darts legend treated by paramedics after collapsing at Players Championship 8

Five-time world darts champion Raymond van Barneveld collapsed during a tournament in Milton Keynes on Friday.

The Dutchman, 53, became unwell at the Players Championship 8 after his first-round defeat by Ryan Searle and while he was marking a contest between Jeffrey de Zwaan and Zoran Lerchbacher.

According to the PDC, Van Barneveld - who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2009 - was treated by paramedics at the Marshall Arena but did not require hospital attention.

Fan favourite ‘Barney’ is being further monitored at his hotel, with play resuming at 2:45pm GMT after initially being suspended while he received treatment.

Van Barneveld is a four-time BDO world champion who also won the PDC World Championship in 2007.

The former world No1 is one of the most successful and popular players in darts history, winning 26 major titles in total and being part of a high-profile rivalry with fellow legendary player Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor.

Van Barneveld regained his PDC Tour card via the Qualifying School in February after initially retiring from darts following his defeat by Darin Young in the first round of the 2020 World Championship at Alexandra Palace.