INTERVIEW - Huybrechts reveals main goal after return to form: “Within two years I want to try to be a permanent fixture in the top 16 again”

Already at the last World Championship, Huybrechts showed signs of returning to his old self with great victories in particular against Rob Cross and Danny Noppert: “Overall I'm pretty happy with the last World Championship, but there was also a bit of disappointment with that missed opportunity in the last 16 against Luke Humphries. If you look at which players were still in at the last 16, this was certainly a good chance. ”

Huybrechts previously showed that he can compete with the top players in the world. In recent years he has seemingly lost that ability. “Lack of confidence is indeed a big factor in my lesser game. I think too much about everything and often analyze too much during matches. I should try to turn this off, but unfortunately this is easier said than done! ”

"The Hurricane" also changed management at the beginning of this year and is now under the guidance of the Hemeco Pro Darts Team. “The feeling on the PDC Tour is also important and I felt that I needed to do something different. Sometimes change is a new step forward. And for the time being I have made a good choice. We have a good bond, also thanks to Niels Zonneveld with whom I hang out very often. ”

In his best years, the 34-year-old Belgian was part of the top ten of the world rankings, currently he has slipped to 36th place. “My main goal is to get back on the road again. This year we slowly climb towards top-32 and then top-20 and gain a good position there. Within two years I want to try to be a permanent fixture in the top 16 again and to play in all major TV tournaments and Euro Tours. ”

For the first time since 2012, only one Huybrechts is active on the PDC Tour, as his brother Ronny lost his Tour Card. “Obviously I find that very unfortunate. I have a very good relationship with my brother. We were first active on the BDO circuit together, we were also in the national team and then made the move to the PDC together. Hopefully it is only for one year that I have to miss him and he will win another Tour Card at Q-School next year.”

Finally, we talked to Kim about the World Cup of Darts, which takes place this year from June 18-21 in Hamburg. Belgium reached the final there in 2013 with the Huybrechts brothers, who eventually lost against England. “That has been my favorite tournament from the start! First and foremost because I always played together with Ronny, but now with Dimitri van den Bergh I also have a good bond! I managed to watch his career evolve up close. By the way, I also made sure that he is with his current management team. Of course you play at the World Cup for your country and this also makes for a fantastic feeling!”