Darts star who stunned Raymond van Barneveld flees hotel after nasty ‘bed bug’ bites

DARTS ace James Richardson claimed his oche title hopes bit the dust because of BED BUGS.

Rushden-based "Ruthless" is famous for his "Vindaloo" walk-on theme and his shock win over Raymond van Barneveld in the 2012 World Championship. 

But the 49-year-old crashed out of his Modus Super Series online tournament after he complained of issues with the local hotel in Portsmouth.

He warned fellow darts stars on his Facebook by showing bites on his leg and foot and a video of what appears to be bugs or fleas on his bed.

He said: “Any players playing in the Modus Super Series and are staying round the corner please be careful. 

“I’m in room 324 and have experienced either bed bug or flea bites to my chest has bites but my ankles and feet have loads.

“I could constantly scratch them. I have complained to reception they have changed my bed but haven't hoovered the carpet.

“I’m out of here in the morning thank God and going home won’t be staying here again.”

Richardson caused one of the biggest upsets in the history of the PDC World Championship by beating five-time World Champion, Raymond van Barneveld, 3–0 in the first round of the 2012 Championship. 

Van Barneveld led both the first and third sets 2–0 and had six darts at a double to win the third, but Richardson hit two 145 finishes to break Barneveld’s throw in both sets. 

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Richardson stated afterwards that the victory was “an absolute dream”.

He then faced Belgian Kim Huybrechts in the second round, but couldn't find the form he showed in the first round as he was beaten 4–1.

Richardson lost his PDC Tour Card in 2020 but has been a regular in the online league.

He reached the second round of the UK Open earlier this year, losing to Richie Burnett.

His son Joshua also went out at the same stage, defeated by Dutchman Owen Roelofs.