"That cost both Paul Nicholson and me quite a bit of money" - Kim Huybrechts looks back on infamous incident during World Cup of Darts 2015

One of the most remarkable confrontations ever at the World Cup of Darts is the one between Australia and Belgium in 2015 starring Kim Huybrechts and Paul Nicholson. On the Double Top podcast, Huybrechts looked back on that particular match that earned them both a serious penalty afterwards.

Belgium and Australia met in the quarterfinals of the 2015 World Cup of Darts. After Simon Whitlock had put Australia ahead thanks to a 4-2 win against Ronny Huybrechts, Kim Huybrechts had the chance to keep Belgian hopes alive against Paul Nicholson. Rarely, however, was there such a hostile atmosphere on stage, with both players not holding back when celebrating legs. Kim Huybrechts eventually won this highly charged match 4-3.

Then the two faced each other again in the decisive pairs match. There too things were not very friendly, as a gesture along Nicholson's throat was followed moments later by the same gesture from Kim Huybrechts. The victory eventually went to Belgium, after Ronny secured the decisive point with an 86 finish on the bullseye. Incidentally, Belgium stranded in the semifinals that year after a 2-0 defeat to England.

"During the singles, there really wasn't much going on," Kim Huybrechts recalled. "I do know that Nicholson was particularly angry because he lost after having a 3-0 lead."

"During the match he made that gesture along the throat and I took it very personally. He did say afterwards that it had something to do with wrestling, but then my cockiness would rear its head. By the way, afterwards those signs cost Paul and me both quite a lot of money, as we got a fine in the post from the PDC."