It was a 3-0 win for
Mike de Decker as 'The Real Deal' opened up his account at the PDC
World Darts Championship with victory over Dragutin Horvat. But despite the scoreline, the feeling of dominance wasn't there for the rising Belgian.
"It didn't feel dominant. The first set I was really nervous, then got off stage and relaxed and got back on stage and felt much more comfortable. It showed as the second and third set were a lot better than the first one. I'm really happy to get through," said De Decker post match.
Qualifying for the World Grand Prix and World Matchplay for the first time, he admits that his good form and increase is a culmination of years of playing his best of his career.
"I've been playing the best darts of my career for the last two or three years, but now the results are coming. That's the big difference."
That could lead to further opportunities and one of those he wants is to join Dimitri van den Bergh and unseat Kim Huybrechts as the second player for team Belgium at the World Cup of Darts.
"I really want to play in the World Cup. Representing your country is a big thing so I really want to get in that one. It's going to be me and Dimitri hopefully fingers crossed."