Defending champion Van den Bergh eases past Petersen to begin World Matchplay title defence

Defending World Matchplay champion, Dimitri van den Bergh has began his title defence on his Winter Gardens debut with a successful 10-5 victory over Devon Petersen.

By no means a classic but it was a 94.6 average and six 180's for the Belgian ace who has concluded the opening night of action which has seen the return of fans and the showpiece tournament in Blackpool.

To begin the tie, it was a slow start between the pair with Petersen going 2-1 up despite an average of only 77. Van den Bergh struggled seemingly on his doubles with just 3/14 but he hit double one to go 3-2 up with an 87 average.

He opened up a two leg cushion from there with a 108 checkout to make it 4-2. The scrappy nature of the tie continued but it was 6-3 to Van den Bergh from there.

But at the second break, he went 7-3 up with a 14 darter on tops and seemingly towards the brink. This was furthered with an 11 darter on double 16 as he went to within a leg before missing a match dart in the next allowing Petersen to stay alive.

But that reprieve didn't last long as Van den Bergh completed the job from there.

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