Dimitri van den Bergh provided one of the highlights in the first round of the European Darts Open in Leverkusen on Friday. 'The Dreammaker' won 6-1 over Ryan Meikle in the first round with an average of 109.
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The Belgian had already traveled to Leverkusen in good form, as he won another Players Championship title last week. It was his second ranking title of the season, after Van den Bergh already won the UK Open earlier this year.
Van den Bergh grabbed the first four legs of his match against Meikle, before the Englishman got on the scoreboard in the fifth leg with a 121 finish. Van den Bergh then turned on the turbo once more, as he ended the match with a 10-darter and an 11-darter.
"I know Ryan very well. He’s a great player, but I felt good tonight," said the UK Open champion, who must now take on Dutch Darts Championship champion Josh Rock for a place in the third round. The duel against Rock, who like Van den Bergh is playing at the World Cup of Darts next week, is scheduled for Saturday night.
"I am in a good place. I know I can play good darts, so I’ve been trying to enjoy my game a little bit more, and it seems to be paying off!'' Van den Bergh continued.
Earlier in the day, Van den Bergh's compatriot Andy Baetens also qualified for the second round at the European Darts Open. 'The Beast' defeated Nathan Rafferty 6-5, but needed a lot of darts on the doubles to beat Rafferty. For the six dimes hit, Baetens needed 23 attempts. ''I think I'd better start practicing on the doubles before Saturday afternoon,'' said the Belgian after his match.
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STUNNING FROM DIMI! 🇧🇪
Dimitri Van den Bergh averages over 109 in a marvellous display, as he secures the final spot in the second round with a 6-1 success over Ryan Meikle!
#ET8