Kim Huybrechts returns to Zwaantje Masters in Eindhoven after all‐Belgian final against Andy Baetens

In the semi-finals, Mike van Duivenbode awaited. The Dutchman had beaten Marvin van Velzen 6-3 in the last eight but could not keep Huybrechts from a place in the final. Van Duivenbode impressed with a 130 finish, to which Huybrechts replied with a 15-darter. The Belgian then took control of the match.

Earlier in the day, Baetens had already signalled he was one to watch. The tournament started with seven groups of six players, with the top two from each group and the two best third-placed players advancing to the last 16. Baetens sailed through that opening phase. With, among other things, a 100 average, he won all his matches without dropping a single leg.

Not all big names survived the groups. Dennie Olde Kalter and Benito van de Pas went out, while former Lakeside finalist Tony O’Shea and Co Stompé also fell short. Terry Jenkins scraped into the knockout phase as one of the best third-placed players. John Sloos produced the tournament’s highest checkout with a 164 finish.

The last 16 proved far tougher for Baetens against Ziggy Schenk, but he edged it 5-4. He then beat Pedro van Bergen 6-4. Van Bergen had whitewashed Johann Brouwer 5-0 in the previous round.

In the semi-finals, Baetens faced Mervyn King, who had earlier eliminated Danny Noppert 6-4. From the semi-finals onwards, matches were played in sets. Baetens took control and dropped only one leg on his way to the final.

In the all-Belgian final, Baetens started superbly. With an 11-darter and a 13-darter among his highlights, he claimed the first set. The level stayed high in set two and his average climbed above 104. However, Baetens squandered multiple chances on the doubles to double his lead. Huybrechts capitalised and levelled the match.

Baetens regrouped and, thanks in part to a 13-darter, moved back in front. Huybrechts answered by dominating the fourth set, forcing a fifth and deciding set.

There, the former champion struck immediately. Although Baetens had the darts, Huybrechts broke with a 125 finish. He then doubled his lead with a 16-darter after Baetens missed a 130 finish on the bullseye.

Huybrechts did not let the chance slip. With an 11-darter, “The Hurricane” put an emphatic stamp on the final and secured the Zwaantje Masters title for the second time. His previous triumph in Eindhoven came in 2019.