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Van den Bergh hopes to continue excellent record at World Matchplay: "I don’t know what the secret is, but I have beautiful memories in Blackpool"
PDCMonday, 17 July 2023 at 13:30
Dimitri van den Bergh is competing in the World Matchplay for the fourth time this year. 'The Dreammaker' can boast excellent statistics at this prestigious tournament.
In his three previous participations, Van den Bergh made it to at least the final four each time. In 2020 and 2021, the Belgian even made it to the final, while in his debut year, 2020, he claimed the title.
''I absolutely love this tournament,” Van den Bergh said in conversation with the PDC. '“Everybody says that when you’re playing at the Winter Gardens, magical things can happen and I think that might be it – the magic, the angel on my shoulders. I’m really happy that I have once again qualified for this historic tournament, and I just want to go up there, do everything right, and make everybody proud. I don’t know what the secret is, but I have beautiful memories in Blackpool, that’s for sure.”
The former World Matchplay champion showed he is in good shape earlier this month. He was in the final of the Poland Darts Masters and only clashed with a supreme Michael van Gerwen.
“I think that I’m mentally really strong at the moment, and I’m feeling positive. I am 100% a better player now compared to when I won this title. I have gained so much more experience; I’ve played bigger games and I’ve had the real experience of the Premier League now," Van den Bergh stated. "My self-belief has grown to the next level thanks to the last few years, and I think there is nobody I need to be afraid of.”
The 29-year-old darter will take on Ross Smith in the first round of the World Matchplay. Van den Bergh is wary of his first opponent. ''Me and Ross had a great game when he won the European Championship. I think it’s going to be an amazing game because Ross is playing some cracking darts, but you have to focus on your own game. If I am doing the damage at the right times, why can’t I go all the way and win it again?"
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