Van den Bergh believes Premier League on the line in Clayton clash: "I feel that I've got to beat Jonny without a doubt"

Dimitri van den Bergh was disappointed at the Alexandra Palace as he fell against Florian Hempel early on but produced a 105 average in a quality display to see off Ian White to begin the 2022 Masters.

"Let's just say after my last game which was at Ally Pally, I am happy that I win. I'm feeling that I'm playing the same sort of game but last time I didn't finish my 12 dart leg or 11 dart leg or the little chances. I think today it was the same game but my opponent did miss his chances, I'm just chuffed that I'm through. I hope I can continue," said Van den Bergh post match.

He became a dad off the oche and discussed the feeling of going away from home and being away from his daughter.

"I am a dad now but my missus she's such a hero and I'm loving everything that I'm seeing and I just hope that I can support her in anyway that she needs. I just want to continue what I'm doing on the stage."

"Today is the first night after the Worlds that I was waking up and I didn't see my missus. I didn't hear my baby girl and I was annoyed, I was feeling really weird."

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Next up is Jonny Clayton and for Van den Bergh, he is under now illusion as to the task in hand.

"I know I've got to perform something similar like today. 105 average I've seen, I think I need something similar to that. Jonny's on a roll, he's playing amazing. I've got to be focused on myself."

Premier League contention

But also a debate going around regards the Premier League Darts line-up and Van den Bergh believes he needs to beat Clayton to have a chance.

"I feel that I've got to beat Jonny without a doubt. Last year, the PDC waited after the World's to announce the line-up and I was chuffed that I was chosen. I think I played really well last year, I was the only player after 60 nights averaging 100 or more. I've shown that I am part of the best players in the world but it's a new year. Hopefully I get another chance to be a part of the Premier League."