Jimmy van Schie proves to be Kryptonite for Superman in dramatic WDF Antwerp Open final

The WDF Antwerp Open delivered a strong international field and a thrilling day of darts on Saturday, with Dutchman Jimmy van Schie clinching the men’s title after a gripping final against experienced Englishman Matt Clark. Germany’s Lisa Zollikofer took top honours in the women’s event, while victories in the disability and youth categories rounded out a successful edition of the tournament in Belgium.

Dutchman Jimmy van Schie produced a breakthrough performance to secure his first title on Belgian soil, defeating Matt Clark 5-4 in a rollercoaster final. Van Schie looked in complete control with a 4-2 lead, but the nerves crept in as he missed three match darts in back-to-back legs, allowing Clark to level at 4-4.

With everything on the line in the deciding leg, Van Schie regained his composure and held firm to seal the win and cap off a fine tournament run. Earlier in the day, he had seen off fellow Dutchman Jamai van den Herik 4-1 in the quarter-finals. Clark also endured a tough route to the final, notably edging out Belgian crowd favourite François Schweyen 4-3 in a tense semi-final.

In the women's event, Germany's Lisa Zollikofer staged a comeback victory over Turkey's Emine Dursun to claim her first Antwerp Open crown. Dursun flew out of the blocks, surging into a 2-0 lead with some clinical finishing that included a 15-dart leg.

But Zollikofer dug deep, turning the match on its head and winning five of the next six legs to close out a 5-3 win and seal the biggest title of her WDF career to date.

In the G-Darts events, Steve North emerged victorious in the standing category, overcoming Danny Paspont 4-2 in the final. Meanwhile, Belgian wheelchair darts star Vincent D’Hondt lived up to his billing by defeating Darren Kennish by the same scoreline to take home the title.

There was also a standout display in the youth competition from Belgium’s Lex Paeshuyse. The rising star impressed throughout the day and sealed the title with a convincing 4-1 win over Mason Teese in the final, underlining his growing reputation in the junior ranks.

Jimmy van Schie 5-4 Matt Clark

Jimmy van Schie 4-1 Jamai van den Herik

Matt Clark 4-3 François Schweyen

Lisa Zollikofer 5-3 Emine Dursun

Lisa Zollikofer 4-3 Patricia De Peuter

Emine Dursun 4-2 Aileen De Graaf

Lex Paeshuyse 4-1 Mason Teese

Lex Paeshuyse 4-2 Bradley Van Der Velden

Mason Teese 4-0 Kaya Baysal

Ruby Grey 4-2 Jentl Fransen  

Jentl Fransen 3-2 Nicole Sescu Gal

Ruby Grey 3-0 Silke Vanhee

Steve North 4-2 Danny Paspont

Danny Paspont 4-1 Dirk Neyens

Steve North 4-2 David Johnson

Vincent D'Hondt 4-2 Darren Kennish

Darren Kennish 4-0 Michel Van Den Hengel

Vincent D'Hondt 4-0 Anton Van Hemert