"It wasn't easy because he was a slow player, he had antics" - Dimitri van den Bergh survives opening round battle at the New Zealand Darts Masters

Dimitri Van den Bergh made a positive opening to his 2024 New Zealand Darts Masters campaign this Friday. 'The Dreammaker' danced his way through to the second round with a 6-3 win over Mark Cleaver in Hamilton.

He took down Cleaver in a spirited display, setting up a tasty Quarter-Final clash with Luke Littler. Van den Bergh played well, but Cleaver ensured the reigning UK Open champion didn't have it all his own way, despite a good start for the Belgian. Van den Bergh streaked into a 2-0 lead with a 149 checkout after a second 180 but Cleaver produced a 112 to make it 5-3 to go two down as he started to push the Belgian. But it was to no avail as Van den Bergh got over the line to stop any comeback in its tracks.

"I felt that I was in control in my mind, in control with my nerves," the Belgian reflected afterwards in conversation with Online Darts. "We had a bit of a draft on that stage so I was telling myself 'Dimi, get your mind focused.' Because that's the only thing you can do. What happens, happens, you just have to keep yourself in control."

"He done really well, he played a few good legs and was putting me under pressure, but every time he did, I had my answer ready," Van den Bergh continues, praising Cleaver's performance. Whilst Van den Bergh himself has been accused of gamesmanship and using antics on the oche in the past, this time around, it was the Belgian himself who was on the receiving end. "I just tried to stay positive but it wasn't easy because he was a slow player, he had antics and obviously he was one of the favourites with the crowd so he wasn't easy to play."

After a bright showing last weekend in Australia, Van den Bergh's form is strong currently. The Belgian is aware consistency remains an issue though. "Can I repeat it?" he questions. "I've had so many ups and downs, I always stay insecure. I'll take a boost out of last week and today I noticed it, but it's not going to push me sky high."