The Dreammaker has done it! Dimitri van den Bergh is the champion in this year's World Matchplay on his debut claiming a first major title in the process by defeating Gary Anderson 18-10 in the final.

An exceptional week for Van den Bergh and a World Matchplay win which sees the 26-year-old Belgian put himself into the history books becoming the 10th winner of the tournament seen by many as the second biggest on the PDC calendar.

Also a move up to World No.12 beckons for the two time World Youth Champion who has established himself among darting elite by adding his name to the Phil Taylor Trophy.

The tie was very much cagey to begin with and Van den Bergh had a slender lead of 3-2 going into the first session. From there though, it continue to be very much level at 5-5 with neither player gaining a foothold.

Van den Bergh though from there dispelled a 130 checkout from Anderson to lead 6-5 by smashing in a 170 checkout to break back immediately. He held throw from there and he continued to lead edging back in front at 8-7 in a very close hard fought final where neither player had hit their stride.

When they returned, the Belgian was quickest to the mark and went two clear at 9-7 up going halfway to the finishing line and despite Anderson pressuring with a 177 in the requisite leg, 'The Dreammaker' held throw to head into double figures at 10-7.

He continued to keep him at arms length stretching his lead to 12-8 always keeping that cushion but a huge 124 checkout on the bull from Van den Bergh was potentially the catalyst for his race to the line as he moved even further ahead at 13-8 up.

He followed this up superbly smashing in a 132 on the bull to break for 14-8 and he held from there to make it 15-8. Was there going to be any resistance from Anderson?

Anderson trailed 15-9 but he had a huge mountain to climb. This was further the case as Van den Bergh held throw to go 16-9 up and within two of the title with four 100+ finishes and a 99.5 average.

Missed doubles saw Van den Bergh go to within one of victory. Three missed darts at double 10 saw him get an opportunity to break and win on double 16 and he gratefully took it to conclude a famous win.

Click here for more information about the World Matchplay, including the tournament bracket, TV coverage and prize money breakdown.

Sunday July 26
Final (20:30 GMT)

Gary Anderson (92.81) 10-18 (98.31) Dimitri van den Bergh

https://twitter.com/OfficialPDC/status/1287495046279901187?s=20