Van den Bergh only debutant to ever win World Matchplay

The first edition of the World Matchplay took place in 1994. That means that this year we are up to now the 30th edition of this PDC major.

Not counting the first year, there are four players who immediately managed to reach the final at the World Matchplay on their debut.

Ronnie Baxter was the first in 1998, losing 19-17 to Rod Harrington. Then came Wayne Mardle, who went down 18-12 to Phil Taylor in the 2003 final. James Wade lost 18-11 to the same Taylor in 2006.

Dimitri Van den Bergh was the only debutant to also effectively win the tournament. In the 2020 edition, 'The Dreammaker defeated Gary Anderson 18-10 in the final.