"There is no belief in my game" - Dimitri Van den Bergh overcomes self-doubt to reach World Grand Prix last 16

Dimitri Van den Bergh has qualified for the second round of the 2024 World Grand Prix in Lleicester after a particularly exciting match. 'The Dreammaker,' performed well to prevail 2-1 against a tough opponent Luke Woodhouse in the opening round.

Van den Bergh and Woodhouse both averaged high 90s, which is very strong at a tournament following the double in, double out format. "I'm very proud of myself in the way I kept my cool on the stage," reflected the reigning UK Open champion in his post-match press conference. "I haven't really been feeling what it means to be a winner for a while now, so yeah, I've missed this. I'm not going to be arrogant, but I think me and Luke played an extraordinary game."

However, the 30-year-old Belgian came to Leicester with many doubts. "There is no belief in my game. It's been rough on me for a while now, but I never give up and I don't come up with excuses. I'm one of them that just says 'you know what, even if there is excuses I can give you, reasons why it could be bad, I don't want anybody else to know about it. I'm a professional," Van den Bergh insists.

"I have a great team behind me that supports me all the time," Van den Bergh continued. "I can always count on them and that means a lot to me. We are working hard together to reverse this negative spiral as soon as possible."

Van den Bergh will take on Dave Chisnall in the second round on Thursday, who won 2-0 over Cameron Menzies in the opening round, not losing a single leg.