Van den Bergh looks ahead to the match against Wright: "Friendship doesn't count when we are on the stage"

Dimitri van den Bergh has managed to reach the quarter-finals in his third appearance at the World Matchplay. In 2020 he won the tournament on his debut, while last year 'The Dreammaker' lost in the final to Peter Wright.

That same Wright is Van den Bergh's opponent in the last eight on Thursday night. These two players have a special past together. When the coronapandemic broke out, Van den Bergh stayed with his Scottish darts colleague for a few months. Due to the lockdown, the Belgian could not return to his homeland.

Together they spent hours at the practice board at the time. Wright referred to those moments earlier this week by saying that he had not taught Van den Bergh all the tricks of the trade at the time and that the Belgian dartist will notice in their upcoming match.

"I really don't care what Peter says or thinks. Or Price, or a journalist, or someone who criticises on social media'', Van den Bergh responds via Darts Belgium. "The Dimitri of just a few months ago would have been influenced by that, yes. I was very concerned about it all. But now... I play for myself, for the honour and to get some money on the bank account. Because darts is unpredictable. So we better build up some reserves. Since I only look at myself.''

Wright also anticipated the result of the duel between him and Van den Bergh. The number one of the world is sure he will defend his title in Blackpool.

"Mind games'', concludes Van den Bergh. "I know Peter through and through. We are very good friends, he is a fantastic guy. We might even have a drink together after the match. But that friendship doesn't count when we're on the oche. Then it is just another business day. Whether it is Peter, Michael, Gerwyn or Danny, it doesn't matter. Bring it on''