"Your heart rate goes up, and you want to avoid that": Kim Huybrechts employs earplugs to block out crowd despite being on home soil at Belgian Darts Open

Belgian darts fans got their money’s worth on Friday night at the Oktoberhallen in Wieze. In a roaring arena, where passion and respect went hand in hand, Andy Baetens and Kim Huybrechts delivered an unforgettable evening at the Belgian Darts Open. Both Belgians reached the second round, each in their own way, but with the same outcome: euphoria among the home crowd.

For Baetens, nicknamed “The Beast from The East,” it was a night to remember at the Belgian Darts Open. The East Fleming, who lives just ten minutes from the venue, had to take on the experienced Englishman Joe Cullen. A tough assignment on paper, but certainly not an impossible one.

The match started sluggishly for the Belgian. Cullen immediately showed why he has belonged to the world’s elite for years and raced into a 4-2 lead. The crowd in the Oktoberhallen fell silent for a moment, but that proved short-lived. Baetens found his rhythm and battled back impressively.

With solid scoring and growing confidence, he leveled the match. More than that: he moved 5-4 ahead and earned a golden chance to close it out with a 121 checkout. The bullseye, however, refused to cooperate. “That moment does stick with you,” Baetens admitted afterward. “You know you can win the match right there. But I kept fighting, and that ultimately made the difference.”

Cullen didn’t capitalize fully and forced a deciding leg. There, Baetens again had a shot at that same 121 checkout, again via the bull. And again it slipped away. Still, the Englishman couldn’t break through. When Cullen also missed his opportunities, Baetens kept his cool on the double and dragged the match over the line: 6-5. “It was a good match,” said Baetens. “I think Joe averaged around 101, so the level was high. But the crowd was behind me, and that gives you something extra. At the same time I liked that they stayed respectful toward him as well.”

With a 93.60 average, Baetens showed that even as a semi-pro he can still compete at a high level. After losing his PDC Tour Card, he returned to the WDF and mainly played smaller tournaments and the MODUS Super Series. Through a qualifying route—where he beat Mario Vandenbogaerde among others—he earned his place on this stage. “It’s my third time here, and it remains special,” he said. “Playing in front of your own people, so close to home… that’s hugely motivating.”

A clash with Stephen Bunting now awaits in the second round, again a player of stature.

While Baetens produced a true thriller, Huybrechts brought more control and stability to his match later in the evening. Against the talented German Niko Springer, “The Hurricane” showed he is in excellent shape at the moment.

Huybrechts started sharply. He took the opening leg, but Springer stayed on his heels. It was level at 2-2 before the German forced a break and briefly quieted the Belgian crowd.

Huybrechts, however, stayed composed. With experience and calm, he immediately repaired the damage by breaking back. From that point on he seized full control. With a second break he pulled away to 5-3, and the match tilted decisively Belgium’s way.

One of the highlights followed when Huybrechts fired in a stunning 170 score to leave himself perfectly placed to close it out. Moments later he sealed it on double 4 for a 6-3 win and a superb 101.76 average. “This is fantastic: winning on home soil and playing well too,” Huybrechts said with visible satisfaction. “It was tense, but I actually felt I had everything under control.”

Notably, Huybrechts again played with earplugs, something he has done for some time to help him concentrate. “As a dart player you have to stay in your own bubble,” he explained. “This just works for me. The atmosphere is amazing, but if you get caught up in it, you lose focus. Your heart rate goes up, and you want to avoid that.”

Beyond the performances on stage, the atmosphere in Wieze stood out. Both players praised the Belgian crowd, which was loud yet respectful. “We have the most respectful crowd in the world,” said Huybrechts. “When it’s the other way around, I’m sometimes up against thousands of fans rooting against me. Here you feel support without it becoming unsporting. That makes it really special.”

That support clearly gave both Belgians an extra push, without tipping into negative energy toward their opponents.

With two Belgian wins in the bag, the crowd is eagerly awaiting the next round. Baetens faces a stern test against Bunting, a player with heavy scoring power and ample big-stage experience. Huybrechts won’t have it easy either, with a tie against Josh Rock, one of the most explosive talents of the moment.

Even so, confidence is high for both countrymen. Baetens has already shown he can rise above himself in his home region, while Huybrechts is producing a steady level that makes him dangerous for anyone.

If they can carry this form forward, Wieze may be in for more Belgian success. One thing is certain: the tone has been set, and the crowd is ready.