Pressure off for Van den Bergh after first round win at World Matchplay: "I've done my job"

Dimitri van den Bergh continued his love affair with the World Matchplay seeing off Callan Rydz on the opening night in Blackpool after reaching the final last year.

For Van den Bergh, it was a game though that he was expecting more from his opponent.

"Definitely proud. You've got yourself on to a round against Callan Rydz. A player who can hit everything at any sort of averages and he can keep going. Today unfortunately Callan wasn't there and that for me I think I made the most of it," said Van den Bergh post match.

"I expected to have a very tough game and for some reason, it didn't happen. But you know what head up and focus on the next round."

He also discussed the boost that comes with having all his family in tow and that he has his eyes firmly set on the prize.

"This year the tournament is even more special to myself because I've got my family here with me, I've got my missus, my little daughter, my mom, my stepdad and my boss (Mac Elkin). I want to continue whatever feeling I have right now, do my job and get that trophy in my hands again."

This added to the pressure of the first round now being off and he believes he can now grow into the tournament and use his time off before he plays Rowby-John Rodriguez next to his advantage.

"There's no pressure anymore. I've done my job, I've managed to get through the first round and I think that's the hardest one of the tournament. I play Tuesday, I've got two days off and chill out. I'm going to take them as far as I can, loosen up and throw a couple of darts."

"I've managed to win back-to-back World Series events. I think I can say bring it on, my feet are back on the ground and I'm going to chase my dream."