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Dutch Darts Masters 2022 | Day Two Preview and Order of Play

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Delightful Dimitri Van den Bergh claims Dutch Darts Masters crown

Jonathan Davies in Dutch Darts Masters 25 Jun 2022
Dimitri van den Bergh celebrates (Photo by Lawrence Lustig/PDC)

Dimitri Van den Bergh stormed to the Dutch Darts Masters title after defeating Dirk van Duijvenbode 8-2 in the final on Saturday.

The Dream Maker, who also triumphed at the Nordic Darts Masters earlier this month, made it back-to-back World Series titles at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam.

The former World Matchplay champion dropped just seven legs on the way to claiming the third televised title of his career.

And the second seed sealed the deal in style; hitting six 180s and averaging 104.6 in a dominant win over the Titan.

“I had to be so strong in my mind. I was never playing Dirk; I was playing (the Dutch) support,” he said. “I gave my best and I managed to win.

“The crowd were backing Dirk so much and I understand them.

“I respect him so much; we’ve known each other for a long time.

“The Dream Maker is making his dreams come true.”

Avoiding the carnage of the earlier rounds, Van den Bergh had defeated three home favourites to reach the showpiece in Ron Meulenkamp, Jermaine Wattimena and Danny Noppert.

The Belgian, who hit a top checkout of 170 in the latter, made a flying start by going out in 14, 13 and 15 darts as he opened a commanding 4-0 lead.

World number 14 Van Duijvenbode, who took out 72 to stun James Wade 7-6 in the semi-finals, stopped the rot on double nine in the next after the Dream Maker missed three darts at double 16.

But the second seed regained his authority on proceedings; clinically checking out 72 for a 14-darter, before going out in 13 after nailing double 18 for 6-1.

After the Aubergenius replied, another 13-darter moved Van den Bergh to the brink of victory, which he secured with a ruthless 14-darter in the next leg.

“I just wasn’t good enough,” Van Duijvenbode added. “He played well, but I think I could’ve done better than I did.

“I’m just disappointed that I didn’t play a good game. I felt great, I felt a little bit unlucky some times… it just wasn’t my game.

“I love playing in front of a crowd that’s supporting you so much. I’m disappointed I didn’t win because you want to win it for them.

“This is the last TV tournament before the World Matchplay. Hopefully, I get another gear for that one.”

Dutch Darts Masters 2022 Schedule of Play

Saturday June 25

Quarter-Finals
Martijn Kleermaker 4-6 Dirk van Duijvenbode
James Wade 6-4 Maik Kuivenhoven
Dimitri Van den Bergh 6-1 Jermaine Wattimena
Danny Noppert 6-5 Vincent Van der Voort

Semi-Finals
Dirk van Duijvenbode 7-6 James Wade
Dimitri Van den Bergh 7-2 Danny Noppert

Final
Dimitri Van den Bergh 8-2 Dirk van Duijvenbode