Dirk van Duijvenbode got off to a good start at the Belgian Darts Open. 'Aubergenius' defeated compatriot Raymond van Barneveld 6-3 in his opening match.
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"It was an okay match," Van Duijvenbode opened to Het Nieuwsblad. "Apparently it's the first time I've won from him professionally, but that yes... We are from the same region so I have beaten him before. I don't value it that much."
"It was nice that he responded positively to that fact, though, so I immediately thought, Will we see. It wasn't cold inside, but you'll never hear me talk about that. I work in a greenhouse myself (on an aubergine farm), it's always warm there."
The audience in Wieze thoroughly enjoyed themselves during the 30-year-old Dutchman's appearance. "Yes, fine though. Whether I am loved here? I don't really know (laughs). I always have the feeling that Belgians are not big fans of the Dutch. They appreciate me quite a bit, I think, but big fan. No. I know a lot of Belgians and, the Dutch always forget, they are not always fans of our big mouths. It's better to be a bit timid. So I try never to have that and that's why they appreciate me, I think."
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DIRK DEFEATS BARNEY! 🇳🇱
Dirk van Duijvenbode celebrates a first career victory over Dutch icon Raymond van Barneveld, winning the last four legs to book his place in Sunday's last 16!
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