Van Duijvenbode does not benefit from a favorable draw: 'That is counterproductive for me'

Five years after his Alexandra Palace debut, Dirk van Duijvenbode will make his second appearance at the World Championship Darts on Friday. He has now become an established name, after reaching a first major final this season.

The Dutchman lost his Tour Card after the past year, but immediately conquered it back at the Q-School. It turned out to be the start story of a wonderful season, in which Van Duijvenbode became one of the most improved players.

Highlights were a final at the World Grand Prix and quarter-finals at the European Championship Darts and the Players Championship Finals. Van Duijvenbode also reached the semi-finals at the Belgian Darts Championship and beat world champion Peter Wright at the Grand Slam of Darts.

Where does this revival come from? "I tackled four problems" Aubergenius told Dutch broadcaster NOS. He first increased his practice hours. "I consulted with my boss whether I could practice during working hours. As a result of that conversation, a practice board was installed at work.''

The second problem was injury sensitivity. "I have started to invest more in osteopathy. That is quite expensive, especially if you do not perform well. So I wanted to look at that for three months. But now I have fewer injuries and I can practice more."

Van Duijvenbode also improved mentally, with the help of a mental coach. The last problem was his equipment. Together with his arrow supplier BULL'S NL, he has now found the perfect set.

The draw linked Van Duijvenbode to the 20-year-old world youth champion Bradley Brooks. Not a bad draw for the 28-year-old Dutchman, who hoped for a difficult draw.

"I hear from everyone that I have an easy draw in the first round," said the World Grand Prix finalist. "But that is counterproductive for me. I just need a tough draw."

Why he needs a tough draw? ''I'm actually better when I'm insecure. When I have my back against the wall. Then the survivor comes out in me. So I like that I think my opponent is better than myself. Then I throw my best matches. If I think in advance that I can win a game, I am not at my best. I am triggered to get the best out of myself against the better players.''