Belgium deny the Netherlands to reach World Cup of Darts quarter-finals

Belgium will play Australia in the World Cup of Darts quarter-finals after beating the Netherlands 8-7 in a thriller on Saturday.

Dimitri Van den Bergh and Kim Huybrechts overcame Danny Noppert and Dirk van Duijvenbode in the match of the second round at the Eissporthalle in Frankfurt.

Belgium had succumbed in each of their three previous World Cup of Darts meetings with the Netherlands in 2014, 2016 and 2018.

However, they ended the drought to ensure the Dutch failed to progress beyond the last 16 for only the second time.

Seeking their record-breaking fifth title, the Netherlands led four times only to be pegged back on each occasion before the next three legs went against the throw as Belgium went 6-5 ahead.

Huybrechts’ brilliant 108 checkout then moved the 2013 finalists two legs clear for the first time though Van Duijvenbode – a late replacement for the injured Michael van Gerwen – forced a sudden-death leg.

But the Belgians, whose campaign has been overshadowed by personal differences within the camp, held their nerve, with Van den Bergh keeping his composure to pin double 16.

Next up is a showdown with Australia after the reigning champions overturned a 4-3 deficit to see off Croatia 8-6.

Although Damon Heta nailed a brilliant 106 checkout, he and Simon Whitlock trailed at the break. But they won five of the final seven legs – hitting a 12- and 14-darter along the way – to prevail.

Scotland also came from behind against Philippines, Peter Wright and Gary Anderson winning the final four legs to advance 8-5.

Anderson – making his return to the event after four years away – produced a wonderful 141 finish as the two-time champions set up a quarter-final clash with France, who continued their ground-breaking run with an 8-4 victory over Devon Petersen’s South Africa.

There were no such problems for second seeds Wales, Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton averaging just under 100 and hitting a top checkout of 121 on their way to a commanding 8-2 win over Denmark.

The 2020 champions will now play Sweden, who are through to the quarter-finals for the first time after defeating Canada 8-5.

Elsewhere, top seeds England made a purposeful start in their bid for a record-breaking fifth triumph, Michael Smith and Rob Cross hitting 111 and 102 checkouts as well as a 12-darter as they beat Latvia 8-4.

The four-time winners will face Germany in the quarter-finals after the host nation overcame Poland 8-6 in a high-quality encounter.

Both nations shared three ton-plus finishes as each of the opening 12 legs went with throw, before World Championship semi-finalist Gabriel Clemens took out 116 and pinned double one for the crucial break that sealed victory and delighted the home crowd.

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World Cup of Darts 2023 Results

Saturday, June 17

Second Round

France 8-4 South Africa
Sweden 8-5 Canada
Australia 8-6 Croatia
Scotland 8-5 Philippines

Wales 8-2 Denmark
England 8-4 Latvia
Netherlands 7-8 Belgium
Poland 6-8 Germany