planet darts: Barney.... his lucky... were taken

Barney Appeals For Missing Darts

RAYMOND van Barneveld has appealed for the return of his lucky darts after they were taken from the Reebok Stadium stage where he won the Budweiser UK Open on Sunday.

The Dutchman, widely recognised as one of the best darts players in history, had just won the £30,000 first prize when his darts were swiped from the stage by an over-enthusiastic punter.

And van Barneveld has made a passionate plea for the three darts to be returned, claiming he doesn't blame the fan who pinched them.

"Normally I wouldn't mind, but these darts are special to me, van Barneveld said.

"I don't blame the fan who took them, everyone was very excited and there was a great atmosphere - whoever it was must have just been caught up in the heat of the moment.