Darts star forced to play in jeans and trainers and share Van Barneveld’s gear after suitcase ends up 300 miles away
MAIK KUIVENHOVEN was forced to play it casual at the Czech Darts Open – after his threads ended up 300 miles away in Frankfurt.
The 36-year-old was a late replacement to take on Raymond van Barneveld in Prague on Saturday night.
Kuivenhoven stepped in after Gerwyn Price was forced to pull out of the tournament due to a neck injury.
The Dutchman was rushed in from the reserve list, racing across Europe to make the last-32 clash.
But due to a mix-up at the airport, his suitcase was sent hundreds of miles away to Frankfurt, Germany.
Kuivenhoven was therefore without his usual clothes – and even had to borrow Barney’s darts for their showdown at the PVA EXPO Arena.
Soldiering on despite the tough circumstances, the World No. 71 strode to the Oche in a PDC-issued polo, black jeans and white trainers.
And he gave five-time world champ Barney a real scare, despite not using his own set of arrows.
Van Barneveld held on for a nervy 6-4 win and said: “The guy went in just half hour before the match, can you believe it?
“He lost his suitcase at the airport. My god, how awesome did he play?
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
“What a respect we should have this guy. Hopefully he qualifies the World Championships. Applause for him, I have a lot of respect for him.”
He added on X after the game: “Tonight was tough.
“Maik played amazing considering all that happened.
“Called up at the last moment. Getting there just before the game.
“His suitcase went to Frankfurt with his darts things in it. He played with my @TargetDarts.
“[He] played fantastic all things considered. Huge respect for him.”
One fan wrote on X: “Very good from Kuivenhoven considering the circumstances.”
Another said: “This is darts heritage.”
While a third added: “I thought that was so cool he played with your darts. One of the best sets of darts anyway, but a cool thing to see you two playing the same barrels.”
Kuivenhoven is currently ranked 71st in the world.
He has been on the PDC Tour card since 2019 and earlier this year reached the third round of the UK Open.
The Dutchman memorably beat Luke Littler last month, snapping the teenage sensation’s 15-match winning streak.