Exclusive - BARNEY AND MANAGER TO SPLIT.

Five-time World Champion, Raymond van Barneveld and manager Ed van der Veer are to split after the Skybet World Grand Prix in October it has been announced. The reduced economic climate and all the travelling are the main reasons for the decision," declared van Der Veer.

The bespectacled Van der Veer had become well known to darts fans and had been an ever-present feature on the darts scene since 2006 after teaming up with Barney following his split with previous manger Ad Schoofs. Their partnership culminated in the Dutchman^s 2007 World Championship win at the Circus Tavern when he beat Phil Taylor in an epiuc encounter..

"I think that we both had the feeling that 2009 would be our last year," said Raymond. "It has been three fantastic years, but everything must come to an end. Adding, "The fact that we will continue to do exhibitions together says something about our friendship and the way we have split up."