“My dream Is to meet England in the final” – Philippines stun Belgium at World Cup of Darts
PDCSaturday, 14 June 2025 at 15:06
The Philippines pulled off a stunning upset at the 2025 World Cup of Darts, mounting a miraculous comeback to defeat Belgium in their decisive group-stage clash. Trailing 3–0 and staring down seven missed match darts from their opponents, Lourence Ilagan and Paolo Nebrida turned the tide to clinch a dramatic win and book their place in the last 16. There, they will face the powerhouse pairing from Wales.
After the match, emotions ran high as Ilagan and Nebrida reflected on their unexpected triumph.
“It’s great to win this match after all,” Ilagan said. “But honestly, I didn’t really expect it anymore—although we certainly never gave up.”
“We have a lot of confidence in each other, and that helps us through the difficult moments,” Nebrida added. “So I’m very satisfied that we made it to the knockout stage.”
Lourence Ilagan in action
The Rise of Asia in World Darts
Ilagan was quick to credit the PDC Asian Tour for the growing strength of darts in the region.
“The level in Asia keeps rising. We’re getting closer and closer to the standard of the top PDC players,” he said. “I’m very grateful to the PDC for the opportunities they give us.”
Still, the journey isn’t easy.
“There are many talented players in Asia, but it’s often hard to find sponsors. And then there’s the cost and distance of traveling to Europe for events,” he noted.
Nebrida hopes their run will inspire the next generation.
“I hope we can be an inspiration to the young children in our country,” he said. “That way they can hopefully follow in our footsteps.”
England: The Dream Opponent?
Although the draw had not yet taken place at the time of their interview, the Filipino pair briefly discussed tournament favorites England, represented by Luke Littler and Luke Humphries.
“They are the top favourites, no doubt,” Ilagan acknowledged. “And yet, they are not unbeatable. My dream is that we meet them in the final.”
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- Sophie v Paige warranted a final and deserved a longer format, despite the completely shambolic start to the match regarding the scoring which I think unnerved both players, it was an excellent game. Both are outstanding players with great futures in darts. It was a shame such talented players had to meet so early and that Paige is out, she is brilliant and blitzed Sophie in that first set. Fantastic comeback from Sophie, so calm and nonchalant, survived a real scare but hope she becomes World Champion.richieburnettrocks04-12-2025
- I'll play,I can average about 40!rick6701-12-2025
- I'll play,I can average about 40!rick6701-12-2025
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- Needs to get the dart tip up when he pulls the dart back and his game will come back.BandB25-11-2025
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- I thought itv coverage was great,shame to see it goingrick6724-11-2025
- Put the balls back in and have another go!rick6724-11-2025
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