Former five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld was soundly beaten by Mervin King in the third round of the UK Open this past weekend, but it was his on-stage demeanour that caught the eye of fans. 

The Dutchman appeared dishevelled throughout the match, repeatedly blinking in between throws.  

At one point, the 50-year-old even seemed to close his eyes, as if he was sleeping.

He also frequently took breaks to drink water, prompting fans to question whether he was unwell and even fit enough to take part in the match.

Van Barneveld struggled throughout the contest and only managed a paltry 86 average as he comprehensively lost the match 10-4.

The tournament itself had somewhat of a strange feel after the host venue, Butlins in Minehead, declined to allow fans to attend on safety grounds following last week's extreme weather, meaning that matches essentially took place behind closed doors.

Thursday's scheduled Premier League Darts fixture in Exeter was cancelled for the same reason and it is arguable that the UK Open could have suffered a similar fate had it not been for the fact that it was to be televised on ITV4 throughout the weekend.

Still, the lack of atmosphere may well have disorientated some of the sport's top players, including Van Barneveld as the tournament saw several leading contenders eliminated early.

Aside from Van Barneveld, both defending champion Peter Wright and world number one Michael van Gerwen also saw their chances ended in the early rounds.

Scotland's Gary Anderson eventually defeated Australian former world youth champion Corey Cadby in the final of the event. Anderson recovered from 4-1 down to win the match 11-7 and lift the trophy, banking prize money of £70,000 in the process.

Dutch fans will be hoping that van Barneveld is able to bounce back from his UK Open struggles in quick order as the Professional Darts Corporation has announced that the cancelled Premier League fixture in Exeter last Thursday will be replaced by an additional event in Rotterdam on Wednesday 18 April.

Van Barneveld will no doubt be keen to impress his fellow countrymen as he returns home.