One in two for the Belgians on the first day of the Austrian Darts Open, the fifth round of the European Tour. Dimitri Van den Bergh qualified beautifully for the second round, Mike De Decker lost after a thriller.
Vincent Van GenechtenDarts follower
Yesterday at 10:42 PM
De Decker first had to work in Graz. The Real Deal had a tough time with Raymond van Barneveld because the five-time world champion is playing darts well this year. And ‘Barny’ ran 3-0 in no time against a lower scoring De Decker. However, our compatriot straightened out and came back to the same level and even 3-4 ahead because Van Barneveld missed doubles.
The Dutchman then took a 5-4 lead. He went through De Decker’s throw with a masterful 136 finish. However, The Real Deal quickly broke back and forced a decider on his own throw. However, Van Barneveld scored better in the decisive leg. De Decker still set himself for a potential 120 finish, but ‘Barny’ blasted 96 off the board for 6-5.
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De Decker makes so little profit with his qualifications for the European Tour. So far he has been there in four of the five heats, an impressive number because no one does better. In Wieze he reached the 1/8th finals, but after that De Decker always went out in the first round. His goal this year – reaching the World Cup – remains a distant dream as he is still £20,000 behind Kim Huybrechts.
It was Van den Bergh’s turn in the next match. The DreamMaker once again faced Gabriel Clemens and immediately fell behind 0-2 after a poor leg on his own throw. However, Van den Bergh quickly repaired the damage with a 78 finish, after which the match remained evenly matched until the decisive leg. The German Giant was allowed to start and Clemens also seemed to get the first match arrows when he left 57. However, Van den Bergh had to shoot 152 off the board to win… and did so in style: 6-5. He faces Josh Rock on Saturday.
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