INTERVIEW - De Decker makes boyhood dream come true with PDC World Darts Championship qualification

Mike de Decker has qualified for the PDC World Darts Championship for the first time in his career. Dartsnews.com looked into the expectations of the Belgian who will celebrate his 25th birthday on the opening day of the World Championship.  

For De Decker, it is a dream come true. "Every darter dreams of one day being on that big stage at Alexandra Palace. I feel that I have the quality to make it to the third round."

In the first round De Decker meets the Japanese thrower Edward Foulkes. "I don't know him at all, but it's an opponent like any other. You have to be top against everyone. I also don't look at possible opponents for the next rounds, after all, it makes no sense to look further into the tournament."

For the first time in a long time, spectators have also been admitted. For example, at the Alexandra Palace there may be a thousand fans per session, something De Decker clearly applauds. "I personally think it is good that there are spectators again. The PDC coped very well with the situation right from the start of the pandemic, so I expect that they will do the same now."

After a two-year absence, the Belgian won another Tour Card at the beginning of this year. "My first year on the Pro Tour was very stable. I felt that I could have done a bit more but my qualification for the World Championship makes up for a lot." Qualifying for the World Championship was also a goal that I started this year with. Of course I have two years to try to get into the top-64 and then it obviously helps if you can play the World Championship. ”

'The Real Deal' has planned a solid training schedule for the start of the World Cup. "I regularly meet up with fellow darts players. It is easier and more pleasant to train longer and more focused when you train with someone than when you are throwing alone."

Finally, we wanted to know from De Decker who is his favourite to win the World Championship. "I personally think it will be Michael van Gerwen, Peter Wright or Gerwyn Price. I think they are the three who have the best chance."