Belgian Darts Open 2026 Roundup | Wessel Nijman dumped out as Baetens stuns Cullen and Krcmar batters Van Barneveld in Friday night drama
PDCFriday, 20 March 2026 at 23:02
The 2026 Belgian Darts Open continued on Friday evening in Wieze with a chaotic close to round one, as several of the session’s biggest names fell at the first hurdle.
Fresh from his European Darts Trophy triumph last weekend, Wessel Nijman saw his momentum halted immediately, while Joe Cullen and Raymond van Barneveld also exited on a night that delivered both drama and high-quality scoring across the board.
Nijman run ended as Bialecki delivers statement win
All eyes were on Wessel Nijman following his breakthrough title last weekend, but the Dutchman was unable to back it up as Sebastian Bialecki produced a composed 6-3 victory.
Bialecki was clinical throughout, averaging just under 100 and punishing missed opportunities from Nijman, who never fully found the level that had carried him to silverware just days earlier. A 113 finish briefly sparked hope of a turnaround, but the Pole remained in control, sealing the win with an 81 checkout to underline a statement performance.
Baetens edges Cullen in dramatic decider
The tie of the night came as Andy Baetens edged out Joe Cullen 6-5 in a match packed with tension, missed chances and late twists.
Cullen averaged over 100 but was unable to close out the match, missing darts to win as Baetens repeatedly punished. The Belgian had chances to seal it earlier, spurning multiple match darts, but held his nerve in the deciding leg, returning to pin D8 after further misses from Cullen to complete a memorable victory.
Baetens saw off Joe Cullen in a dramatic deciding leg
Krcmar dominates Van Barneveld in one-sided rout
Boris Krcmar produced one of the performances of the session as he dismantled Raymond van Barneveld 6-1.
A 101 average and clinical finishing told the story, with Krcmar racing into a commanding lead as Van Barneveld struggled badly on the doubles. The Croatian’s scoring power kept the pressure constant, and he capped the display with a 116 finish to wrap up a comprehensive win.
Huybrechts holds off Springer in high-quality clash
Kim Huybrechts came through a strong test against Niko Springer, sealing a 6-3 victory in one of the better quality contests of the evening.
Both players averaged close to or above the ton, with Springer threatening throughout, but Huybrechts proved more clinical at key moments. The Belgian punished missed doubles late on, finishing with a tidy 84 checkout to secure his place in round two.
| Niko Springer | VS | Kim Huybrechts |
|---|---|---|
| 99.85 | Average (3 Darts) | 101.76 |
| 7 | 100+ Thrown | 11 |
| 8 | 140+ Thrown | 9 |
| 1 | 180 Thrown | 2 |
| 90 | Highest Checkout | 84 |
| Checkout 100+ | ||
| 30 | Checkout percentage | 60 |
| 3 / 8 | Checkout | 6 / 10 |
Reyes fires 160 to deny Ratajski
Cristo Reyes delivered the finish of the night as he closed out a 6-4 win over Krzysztof Ratajski with a stunning 160 checkout.
In a match of consistently high scoring, Reyes’ finishing proved decisive. The Spaniard punished missed opportunities from Ratajski and produced the standout moment at the end, pinning the big fish to seal an impressive victory.
Gurney too strong for White
Daryl Gurney made a solid start to his campaign with a comfortable 6-1 win over Ian White.
Despite missing a number of darts at double, Gurney controlled the match throughout, outscoring White and pulling clear early. A ton-plus finish helped maintain his advantage before he eventually closed out the tie with ease.
Chisnall makes steady start against Tricole
Dave Chisnall opened the evening session with a 6-3 win over Thibault Tricole.
The eight-time European Tour title winner recovered from a slow start to take control, winning five legs in succession at one stage. While not at his very best, Chisnall’s scoring proved enough to see off the Frenchman and progress to the second round.
Van Duijvenbode seals controlled win over Wenig
Dirk van Duijvenbode wrapped up the evening session with a 6-3 victory over Lukas Wenig.
The Dutchman produced a solid display, averaging just under 99 and taking control of the match with a 12-dart break of throw midway through the contest. Wenig showed flashes of quality with ton-plus finishes, but Van Duijvenbode maintained his advantage and sealed the win with a 64 checkout on D16 to book his place in round two.
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- Yeah it was exciting when it started back around 05. Now its just a punish every week. Take it up to 12 players, and bottom 2 drop out after everyone has played once. No need for finals etc every week. At that stage make it first to 7 instead of 6 to take up the timeslot.Cameron.W14-03-2026
- Honestly,who cares? This league should be scrapped. It's just a money spinner for PDC and sky. How on earth can 8 players do this every week,and leave the rest behind? It's a bit shameful really. Anyone can win against anyone,but not every week. Scrap itrick6712-03-2026
- depends on the tournament, easier to tune out at minehead where the acoustics aren't very good and half the crowd are pensioners. "keir starmer's a w*****" is their only good chant though, they should censor the rest and keep that one.colt09-03-2026
- I watched all of the UK open and didn't hear it. Does anyone actually listen to, or hear the crowd noise? I just tune it out as it gets quite annoying. If I have to hear "if you love the darts stand up" one more flippin' time.... Clearly everyone there loves the darts, they paid for tickets. Why they should stand up is beyond me (half of them are so bladdered they'd fall straight back down anyway) hahaha
DartsEnvy09-03-2026 - I can't answer why, only the PDC can. I do watch most of them on PDC TV - I have it on in the background when working from home haha. There can be some great moments in them like Beau's recent 9 darter etc. As for their significance, they all contribute to the players rankings with the winners of each day getting 15K, so they are important to their rankings as well as their overall earnings. Win 4 in a year and there's a nice 60K (runner up also gets 10K per day). Also I've seen so many interviews where players say they really enjoy it, because its "pure darts" without the spectacle and they can just get on with it. As per the original reply above, with the stage format playing in front of a bunch of booing drunkards, it's a nice change of pace and can aid concentration. So I can perfectly understand why the players like it so much - it's a good earner, not quite as late nights and very quiet / pure.DartsEnvy09-03-2026
- Would love if podcast was available on youtube. Dont have spotify.kangacheckoutz03-03-2026
- ah ok, that helps put it in context, cheersMrMarkWatsonnonotthatone28-02-2026
- Any IDeaS.....richieburnettrocks28-02-2026
- I deserve it I am the greatest I am the people's champion I believe I will win the Premier League because I believe I am the best because honestly I am the people's champion and I honestly made the fans come tonight because I am honestly the greatest and I, I, I, I, I, I, I, Oh shut up you pathetic pandering hideously ugly fat waste of space! Fatty Bunting should be more sincere and humbly accept he needed that instead of I this and I that.richieburnettrocks28-02-2026
- Wright's wife DEMANDS he continues so IT can rook every last penny from him. Commentary beckons.richieburnettrocks28-02-2026
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