Knops bring superb nickname 'The Saiyan' onto ProTour: "It is a male who does not shy away from the fight and never gives up"

Robbie Knops is one of two Belgians who managed to secure a Tour Card at Q-School last week.

Knops won his Tour Card on the final day by beating Richard Veenstra in the final. "After my quarter-final I was already sure of my place among the big boys. That allowed me to finish my remaining matches very relaxed. This success means a lot to me. It is the third year I am trying and now I have hit it. Third time, good time," Knops told Het Nieuwsblad.

Besides darts, Knops still has a full-time day job and he does not want to give it up. "I will continue to work as a roofer at LID in Herk-de-Stad. Fortunately, I have a good employer who understands and supports me. This allows me to regularly participate in tournaments."

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Striking nickname

'The Saiyan' is Knops' striking nickname. "The Saiyan is a Japanese cartoon character. It is a male who does not shy away from the fight and never gives up. As soon as things slow down, he steps up his game. That suits me. Of course, this figure also adorns my darts shirt."

Knops was born in 1982. "I have been playing darts for 20 years, but took a break in between. Now I've been at it again for five years. Placing for the PDC is really not easy. The level is extremely high. There are a lot of candidates for some places. For the European part of the Q-School, 432 participants signed up."

An entry to Q-School cost Knops 510 euros. "Cheap it is not, because that is only registration fee. Then you don't have accommodation, food and drinks. The first three days I could stay with friends, then I went to a hotel. Four days all alone in your room and those stressful matches every time. That's quite tough emotionally."

Seven Belgians

Knops is one of seven Belgians who have a Tour Card this year. "When we run into each other, we give a fist bump and have a short chat, but not much more than that. For me, it's also new. The compatriots do lift each other to a higher level. Moreover, the sport of darts has exploded in our country. Even in the lower leagues there is very strong throwing."