"You can't dream of a better mentor": Andy Baetens looks to grow under compatriot's guidance

Andy Baetens captured his PDC Tour Card early this year at Q-School. The 35-year-old Belgian, who became WDF world champion late last year, has since climbed to 88th in the world rankings.

The podcast "Double Top" discussed Baetens' first months in the PDC. "Andy still has to search and find his place," said Matthias De Vlieger, darts commentator at VTM 2. "I spoke with Mario Vandenbogaerde a while ago and he is taking Andy under his wing. You can't dream of a better mentor."

Vandenbogaerde captured his Tour Card in 2022, but lost it late last year. Early this year at Q-School, however, he immediately recaptured that Tour Card. "Mario is someone who always keeps both feet on the ground and will instill that in Andy as well. Under Mario's wings he can continue to grow. Andy certainly has the talent, he was the first Belgian ever to become world champion (among adults), they will never take that title away from him. I also thought it was particularly clever that despite the pressure that was still present, he captured his Tour Card."

Doing normal

"I spoke to Mario at length during a tournament in Germany," adds Damian Vlottes. "He is indeed the perfect mentor in terms of experience and keeping yourself calm. Just acting normal, Mario is the perfect example in that."

Baetens and Vandenbogaerde will be back in action on August 21 and 22. That is when Players Championships 18 and 19 will be held in Milton Keynes, England. Baetens is currently in a good position to qualify for the World Championship, Vandenbogaerde still needs some good results.