Date of birth: 20.04.67
Home town: Den Haag (Holland)
Nickname: Barney

A four-time BDO world champion, van Barneveld exploded onto the PDC scene with victory in what is widely regarded as the greatest world final of all time last year.

The Dutchman, who had crossed the divide in February 2006, beat 13-time champion Phil Taylor 7-6 in sudden death to move level with Eric Bristow on five world titles.

And he has built on that success with a profitable 2007 on the PDC circuit, with notable televised victories in the UK Open (including an 11-4 humbling of Taylor in the quarter-finals) and Las Vegas Desert Classic.

A former postman in his homeland, van Barneveld was a twice World Masters winner during his time in the BDO and is widely credited as being the darting inspiration for the likes of Michael van Gerwen and Jelle Klaasen.