“Bunting is a PDC player, he’s a Lakeside World Champion — I am as well” – Andy Baetens not fazed by Stephen Bunting challenge at the Belgian Darts Open

For Andy Baetens, it was a night when everything clicked. The Belgian reached the last sixteen of the Belgian Darts Open after a strong win over Stephen Bunting, doing so to raucous support from the home crowd in Wieze.

In a match where the tension was often palpable and both players missed chances on the doubles, Baetens ultimately kept his cool. That earned him not only an important victory but also a healthy dose of confidence heading into the final day of the Belgian Darts Open 2026.

Afterward, Baetens stayed grounded about his performance, though he was clearly satisfied. “Yeah, very good,” he began. “I played a very good game today.”

He did acknowledge that the contest was also marked by missed opportunities, particularly from his opponent. “Stephen missed a couple of doubles and I took advantage of that, so I’m happy.”

One of the key moments in the match was without doubt the ninth leg. In that phase, both players had multiple chances to strike, but nerves were clearly a factor. However, Baetens was the one to keep his cool and pin his intended double to close in on triumph. According to the Belgian, that was logical given his opponent’s qualities. “I know what Bunting can do.”

Baetens spoke with great respect about Bunting, who boasts an impressive résumé. “Bunting is a PDC player, he’s a Lakeside World Champion,” he emphasised.

That underlined the caliber of the win. Beating a player with such a track record adds extra value to his performance — especially on a stage like this. At the same time, Baetens did not place himself beneath his opponent. “I’ve been a world champion too,” he added, referring to his own successes. “But I felt good today.”

As with several Belgian players this weekend, the support of the crowd also played a key role for Baetens. In Wieze he was carried by the fans, and it visibly energized him. The question is justified: with this backing, can he go even further in the tournament? “That’s something for tomorrow,” he said with a smile. “We’ll see.”

Baetens is no stranger to the European Tour and knows what it takes to go deep. He has previously reached the last sixteen at this level, but the hunger for more is clear. With the confidence from this victory and the crowd behind him, he seems ideally placed to take another step.

For a place in the last eight, Baetens will face 12th seed Martin Schindler on Sunday afternoon, after the German proved too strong for Irishman William O'Connor in the second round with a 6-3 win. The Belgian knows that, with this level and this support, he can be a threat to any opponent.