A match that Dimitri van den Bergh was not favourite in, he certainly showed why he should've considered as such as he saw off Martin Schindler 10-6 including pinning a nine-dart finish to book a World Matchplay clash with Jonny Clayton.
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Van den Bergh as well as pinning his perfect leg hit seven 180's and a 98 average. Schindler didn't disgrace himself with a 94 average and 8 180's but it wasn't enough as the early break in the form of the nine-dart finish proved vital for 'The Dreammaker'.
A 76 checkout saw Schindler hit the front early. Van den Bergh hit the first maximum and pinned double 16 for 1-1. He drew first blood on the Schindler throw pinning double eight eventually for 2-1.
But Van den Bergh flipped the match on its head at 3-3 as they were both locked in as he smashed in an incredible nine-dart finish which set him up for the rest of the tie. He sent the Winter Gardens crowd wild as he pinned the 180, 180, 141 combination to go 4-3 up.
Schindler didn't lose heart and he threatened to draw level at 5-5 going into the interval but Van den Bergh edged in front again at 6-4 as he held throw and kept his break advantage. Schindler held but under increased pressure as he had to hit a 124 to go 6-5 down in the end. But he only got one more leg in the end.
Van den Bergh surged ahead winning four legs in a row to claim the victory. He went 7-6 up and never looked back. He hit a 12-dart 88 checkout to make it 8-6. Van den Bergh went one away on double 16 before an 82 checkout combination shot to shut the door fully. Job done for the Belgian.
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NINE-DART DIMI GOES THROUGH! 🇧🇪
Dimitri Van den Bergh seals a 10-6 win over Martin Schindler!
What a performance from the Belgian! 👏
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