Flanders Darts Trophy 2026 Roundup - Beau Greaves falls in dramatic decider

Sebastian Bialecki survived six match darts in a remarkable deciding leg to beat Kim Huybrechts 6-5 and end the Belgian's hopes of returning to the World Grand Prix on Friday night at the 2026 Flanders Darts Trophy.

There was disappointment for another of the evening's major attractions too, as Beau Greaves fought back from 5-2 down against Damon Heta only to lose a last-leg decider. Rob Cross and home qualifier Andy Baetens produced the standout averages of the session, both clearing the 100 mark in victories over Cristo Reyes and Joe Cullen respectively.

Sebastian Bialecki moved to the brink of a maiden World Grand Prix appearance after surviving six match darts to beat Kim Huybrechts 6-5 in one of the most dramatic matches of the opening round. With the qualification stakes hanging over the contest, Bialecki landed a 170 checkout to move 3-2 ahead before producing another huge finish, 126, to secure the first break and move within one leg of victory at 5-3.

Huybrechts refused to let his hopes disappear quietly. Bialecki missed a match dart at double 16 before the Belgian took out 112, then another opportunity at tops went begging as Huybrechts forced a deciding leg with an 88 checkout on the bull.

The final leg became increasingly tense. Huybrechts missed three darts at double 12 for the match, Bialecki then missed one of his own at tops, before Huybrechts squandered another three opportunities across double six and double three. Bialecki finally pinned double 20 to complete the 6-5 victory, all but securing a World Grand Prix debut in the process while effectively ending Huybrechts' hopes of returning to the tournament.

Greaves arrived in Antwerp a week after becoming the first woman to win a PDC European Tour match, but Heta denied her another victory after surviving a late comeback.

The Australian moved 4-1 ahead as Greaves struggled on the doubles, before a 13-darter extended his advantage to 5-2. Greaves answered with a 121 checkout, then punished Heta for missing a match dart at the bull by taking out 78 to break and close to 5-4.

Heta squandered another five match darts in the tenth leg, allowing Greaves to force a decider on double six. Greaves opened the final leg with back-to-back 140s, but Heta still reached a finish first and took out 102 on double 16 to finally secure the 6-5 victory.

Greaves finished with the higher average, 92.96 to Heta's 90.62, although both struggled on the outer ring. Heta converted six of 21 attempts and Greaves five of 19.

Cross opened the session with an impressive 6-3 victory over Reyes in a match where both players averaged above 100. The former world champion finished on 104.64 compared to Reyes' 102.68, with both players hitting three 180s.

The opening six legs all went with throw before Cross finally found the first break to move 5-3 ahead. Reyes then narrowly missed double 16 for a 105 checkout to stay alive, allowing Cross to return and seal victory on double 20.

Baetens followed with an excellent 6-3 win over Cullen, averaging 102.70 and hitting four 180s while converting half of his attempts at double. Cullen produced finishes of 160, 100 and 102 during the contest, but Baetens responded with a 106 checkout to move within one leg of victory.

The Belgian missed three match darts before Cullen failed with two of his own at double eight, leaving Baetens to return and pin double four for his place in round two.

Gabriel Clemens came from behind to beat Cameron Menzies 6-4. Menzies produced a 121 checkout on the bull to lead 2-1, but Clemens stayed in touch before taking the decisive break at 3-3. After missing three match darts in the ninth leg, the German opened the next with a 180 and sealed victory with a 13-darter.

William O'Connor was more comfortable in a 6-2 win over European Tour debutant Kevin Lankhuizen. O'Connor's best moment came with a 145 checkout in the third leg before he pulled clear and eventually closed out the match on double 20.

Jim Long recorded only the second European Tour victory of his career with a 6-2 win over Raymond van Barneveld. The Dutchman averaged just 82.04 and converted only two of 15 darts at double, while Long finished on 85.70.

Brendan Dolan completed the evening by knocking out Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-3. Van Duijvenbode briefly sparked into life with back-to-back 12-darters, but Dolan responded with a 120 checkout and pulled clear. Van Duijvenbode then twice bust a 13 finish during a messy conclusion before Dolan eventually sealed victory on double one.