Raymond van Barneveld (10/1 2011 PDC world championship – outright) returned to form with an 8-5 win over reigning Premier League Darts champion James Wade – and dedicated his opener to his daughter.

‘Barney’, who finished a disappointing fourth in the world championships at Alexandra Palace, when toe-to-toe with Wade (10/1 2011 PDC world championship – outright) in a high-quality opening in which they shared the opening six legs at the O2 Arena.

However, the Dutch master, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last August, came out stronger after the break and took the first two before an 11-darter made it 6-3.

Wade came back again but five-time world champion van Barneveld said he had no choice but to win on his daughter’s 16th birthday.

He said: “This is the level where you want to perform, it’s unbelievable the crowds we play to now this season.”

He added: “I’m on a fitness program, I’ve lost five kilos so far and I’m working out in a boot camp. I’m much fitter so I hope to see the old Barney soon.”

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