INTERVIEW - The World Cup brings out the best in Huybrechts: 'I always enjoy playing for my country'

Huybrechts is one of the best players in the history of the World Cup of Darts. He has always reached at least the quarter-finals, while he got through the final in 2013 with his brother Ronny. Dimitri van den Bergh is his teammate nowadays. The Dreammaker made his debut last year and reached the semi-finals with Kim Huybrechts. So the signs are good for a new successful result at the World Cup. ''I always enjoy playing for my country'', Huybrechts told in an interview. ''This was also the case when I played at the WDF World Cup and Europe Cup in my BDO time. Also I'm lucky to play with people I know very well. First with my brother and now with Dimitri, whom I have known since his birth.'' ''My form is good, but I'm not getting the results yet. A lack of luck here and there, but mainly the ever increasing level makes it more difficult to get good results.''

Belgium has a tough route to an eventual spot in the final. They play against Hong Kong in the first round, while they could meet home nation Germany in the second round. Scotland could be their opponents in the quarter-finals, so Huybrechts realises the Belgians have to play very well to get deep in this tournament.
''It's not a good or bad draw, all matches are tough. Firstly we should not underestimate Hong Kong, everything can happen in a best of 9 legs format. Then probably Germany in the second round, with Max Hopp in a great form. They are also supported by thousands of German fans.''
''If we survive that, then we might face Scotland. It depends which Gary Anderson and Peter Wright are turning up. Gary missed a big part of the season due to injuries, while Peter is not playing the best darts of his career. If we are playing well, I see chances to get a good result.''

England and the Netherlands are the only two nations to have won the event. Both face a shake-up this year, with Michael Smith and Jermaine Wattimena replacing Dave Chisnall and Raymond van Barneveld respectively. Huybrechts believes that these changes not have much effect on the title chances of these two countries. ''They are playing at the World Cup because they the second best player of their country on the ranking. Jermaine and Michael deserve it to play in this tournament. However, you need a good relationship with your teammate, otherwise it will be difficult to perform.'' ''The new players will be quite nervous in the first round and with Spain (against the Netherlands) and Philippines (against England) they both have a difficult draw. Though, both countries, along with Scotland, are among the top favourites in my opinion."