"I was really like: Are you guys serious? Seriously?": Van den Bergh shocked with return to Premier League Darts
PDC
The PDC surprised on Monday with the selection for the upcoming Premier League Darts. Among others, Luke Humphries and Ross Smith were passed over, Dimitri Van den Bergh is included.
Van den Bergh thus makes his comeback in the Premier League after a year's absence. "I'm still in disbelief for a bit at the moment. Surely it was a surprise that I was chosen for the Premier League this year. I'm super proud, don't get me wrong, but I don't really realise it all yet. When I was told the news I was really like: Are you guys serious? Seriously? I have no words for it at the moment. There were plenty of others who played a great year or had a fantastic performance. There are only eight participants lol... This is a mega honour. Thank you to the PDC for believing in me," Van den Bergh told Het Nieuwsblad.
No major won
"Okay, I may have had a good year," continued 'The Dreammaker'. "But I didn't win a major, that's point one. I haven't played a final of a major, that's point two. And I'm not fifth or sixth in the world rankings, that's point three. And when Chris Dobey won the Masters... I did think I'd be ninth or tenth on the list, but to be there... That's really crazy. Everything will be in turmoil for a while because it's a lot of arranging in terms of travelling and so on, now Thursday starts! But I want to show why I was chosen. You belong to the elite, so you have to show yourself. There's also £10,000 to earn every week, so I'm aiming for at least one day's win. Anything is possible, I'm going to enjoy it and try to make everyone back home proud. I hope to show a masterclass in darts."
The Premier League also means little time off in the coming months. "I realise I'm going to be away from home even more. That's definitely on my mind. Hope and though I'm going to be home two days a week this spring. I'm going to play a lot of tournaments and have a busy few months. I do have some nerves for that. Last year I didn't feel good for a while because of the crowds, so this is a test for me, also mentally. But I need to do this and experience it so that I will be stronger in my shoes. We will also be travelling more comfortably from now on, business class. Before that, none of that mattered to me, but it helps to travel comfortably. This is going to take a lot of energy from me, so rest will also be important. I am going to play against the world's best, 16 weeks in a row. Then you want to do extra well anyway. Will I skip a tournament? I might, but that will depend on the rankings."
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Evolved
In his own words, Van den Bergh did go through an evolution. "I am already a different darter this year. I enjoy it more when I am in front of the block and on the stage. I have to dart more 'just' instead of worrying in whether I am doing well or just not. I feel more relaxed, at least I try to be. With a little celebration at a 180 or a hit double. I no longer have to worry about my equipment, which is a big step forward. My goal is to reach another major final this season and qualify for the Grand Slam.
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- I've commented before,Phil should let us all remember how great he was,and leave your darts in the drawer. Another humiliation will tarnish everything,you couldn't even beat old blokes who you would have beaten before the game started !!rick6712-03-2025
- I've commented before,Phil should let us all remember how great he was,and leave your darts in the drawer. Another humiliation will tarnish everything,you couldn't even beat old blokes who you would have beaten before the game started !!rick6712-03-2025
- Aspinall was a no-show: Carl Sneyd steps in from the Challenge Tour.Scoobedybop11-03-2025
- Likewise, I have always been a fan of Mervyn and with this worry on his mind, it explains why his form and ranking plummeted. It is really sad to hear this, often chatted to Mervyn and Tracey during the Lakeside days, both are lovely people. It does seem naive not acknowledging the fact it was earnings, surely there must be others in the same situation. I really hope the Kings can get through this....would a go fund me be permittedrichieburnettrocks11-03-2025
- I always like Merv,but he does he seems slightly naive with his comments. I wish you all the best, hope you can get sorted,and try and get back to a decent game,a bit of money.....and get rid of the dogs,if that's your main concern,I believe your priorities may be slightly wrongrick6710-03-2025
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- Taylor was humiliated in the seniors events,so he really has nothing to lose by playing littler. I think he should put his darts away,and let us remember what a great player he wasrick6706-03-2025
- actually, since you're asking... yes. yes i do.colt06-03-2025