RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD has received Royal recognition for his stunning Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship victory over Phil Taylor.
The 39-year-old picked up his first PDC World Championship title with a sudden-death win at the Circus Tavern on New Year's Day.
He was given a special reception at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport on Monday evening when he flew back to Holland to be met by thousands of fans.
He was also called by Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende and received a telegram from the country's Queen Beatrix to congratulate him on the achievement.
"It's been an amazing reaction," he said. "I had a call from the Prime Minister and a telegram from the Her Majesty, Queen Beatrix.
"Phil Taylor sent me a text message too, saying he was proud of me. He is the greatest player in the world and he will be back.
"A lot of players have thanked me, because it has given them hope! They want to see chances for themselves in the future if I can beat Phil."
Van Barneveld's preparation for the tournament included training camps locked in a hotel with other players, walking on a treadmill and even Zen meditation.
"I'm a different man, more relaxed," he revealed. "My heart beat gets down from 155 to 53 and on stage it is really good for me.
"Playing darts can be very stressful, but no matter how hard my heart's been pounding or how much pressure I've been under, meditation calms me down completely."
PDC Chairman Barry Hearn praised both Taylor and van Barneveld for their displays in a game that many experts are labelling as the greatest match of all time.
"It was one of the great days in British sport and a delight to be involved in," he said.
"Phil is an incredible performer. I didnt think there was anybody out there with the character and ability to come back from such an assault as he gave out early on, but Barney was that man.
"He wanted to play Phil Taylor and knew he was the best in the world and couldn't claim that he was the best until he had taken Phil on.
"I'm very proud of him. It was a great game and he took his chances very well.
"The final delivered excitement and drama in spades and in many ways there was no loser.
"Phil has already told me he is determined next year to win this back and I know he will leave no stone unturned in his bid to do that."
Relive The Final With Highlights In DartsTV