Raymond van Barneveld: Phil Taylor could quit darts within two years

Raymond van Barneveld believes Phil Taylor could be nearing the end of his career Raymond van Barneveld believes Phil Taylor could be nearing the end of his career

Raymond van Barneveld believes Phil Taylor could be considering his future after his World Darts Championship defeat to Jelle Klaasen.

The 55-year-old 16-time champion suffered a shock 4-3 defeat to the Dutchman in the third round of the tournament at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday.

Van Barneveld, who defeated world No 1 Michael van Gerwen the previous night, felt Taylor produced a 'tired' display against Klaasen and would not be surprised if 'The Power' quits the sport within the next two years.

Phil Taylor gives his reaction to bowing out of the 2016 World Darts Championship Phil Taylor gives his reaction to bowing out of the 2016 World Darts Championship

"I think Phil is really tired. I'm watching Phil for the last month and I think it's getting to him now, I think he wants to retire," Van Barneveld told Sky Sports News HQ on Thursday.

"Maybe now or maybe within two years, but I never saw him fighting yesterday.

"You saw that in my game, you saw that with Michael van Gerwen always. I never ever saw that yesterday.

It wouldn't surprise me that he's going to quit next year or maybe in two years' time. Raymond van Barneveld on Phil Taylor

"It wouldn't surprise me that he's going to quit next year or maybe in two years' time. To me, I felt sorry for him yesterday.

"I think it's too much for him at the moment and sometimes it's too much for me as well."

Van Barneveld is still targeting his sixth world title, but admits he faces a tough quarter-final clash against Michael Smith on New Year's Day, live on Sky Sports.

Relive the match which saw Raymond van Barneveld shock Michael van Gerwen Relive the match which saw Raymond van Barneveld shock Michael van Gerwen

"Hopefully I'm going to make it to the final, because that is what you dream about," said the 48-year-old.

"You want to beat Michael van Gerwen, but now there is another Michael waiting and he's that same class.

"This guy is hitting 140s, 180s for breakfast and such a fast tempo. Hopefully I beat Michael Smith and come to the semi-finals and maybe the final."

Watch day 13 of the World Darts Championship, starting at 1pm on Sky Sports 2 on New Year's Day.