INTERVIEW: Van Duijvenbode sets no expectations ahead of World Grand Prix debut

Dirk van Duijvenbode will compete for the first time at the World Grand Prix this year after a good start to the year which saw him reach the semi-finals on the European Tour.

In an interview with DartsNews ahead of the tournament, Van Duijvenbode spoke about making his debut in Coventry as well as his ambitions after the double start tournament.

Van Duijvenbode is very pleased with the fact that he can make his debut in the tournament, especially because at the beginning of the year he really only had one goal. "For this season the goal was actually purely to reach the World Championship and everything that comes with it is a bonus."

Still, the start of the darts season turned out a lot better than Van Duijvenbode had expected. He reached the semi-finals of the Belgian Darts Championship and made it to the last 32 at the UK Open. “At the end of the year I am in the top 64, even if I am immediately eliminated in all tournaments. That gives me a certain peace of mind and therefore I can actually immediately try to make it to the top 32, which is ultimately my goal."

He has a good practice method to get into the match rhythm of the World Grand Prix. “Last week I let my practice partner start without a double, while I had to throw it to start the leg. That immediately puts a certain pressure on you. ”

Van Duijvenbode practiced with a player who already has a lot of Grand Prix experience. "Together with Raymond (van Barneveld), we trained in the match format, double-in double-out in the set play system."

The inevitable question of course remains what The Titan thinks about the comeback of Van Barneveld. “It didn't really surprise me, especially because there are hardly any exhibitions being played at the moment. So he has to do something. ”

Van Duijvenbode has no doubts about whether Van Barneveld will succeed in obtaining a Tour Card. “If he doesn't give up after a bad day, he'll definitely get his Tour Card. His constant level is so higher than the rest of the playing field there that I have no doubts about it. ”

In the first round of the double-in double-out tournament, Van Duijvenbode faces off against Mensur Suljovic. “I am always the underdog and I think Suljovic is a tough opponent. The draw could have been a lot tougher, but it could also have been easier. ”

Both men met before, but for the Dutchman the Head to Head is not something to look back at with confidence. The Austrian managed to win all of the last eight matches played against each other. The most recent game took place in March of this year, when Suljovic managed to win 10-7.

“The World Grand Prix is ​​a new tournament for me, so I'm going to start it without expectations. I will definitely come to win games, but it is different from tournaments that I have played before, such as the World Championship."

Van Duijvenbode will make his debut at the World Grand Prix against Suljovic on Tuesday in the third game of the evening.