HUYBRECHTS TURNS TOUR CARD BATTLE INTO MATCHPLAY PUSH

KIM HUYBRECHTS admits he never imagined he would be dreaming of a World Matchplay return just months after fearing for his Tour Card.

The Hurricane produced a strong display to beat Karel Sedlacek 6-3 in round one of the Austrian Darts Open, averaging 94.09 and taking out a brilliant 120 checkout in Graz.

The world No.57 has made a steady start to the season, reaching the last 16 at two ProTour events as well as the third round of the Belgian Darts Open and the German Darts Grand Prix.

But the Belgian revealed that at the start of 2026, survival on the PDC circuit was his only concern.

He told Oche180: “Yeah, it’s a massive change in my thoughts. In January, me, my management and coach Eric Clarys only had one goal, and that was keeping the Tour Card.

“Three months later, you’ve suddenly got a couple of extra goals, playing the Matchplay, playing the Grand Prix, playing the European Championship and playing the Players Championship Finals.

“I think we’re going to have to have a good meeting and discussion about what the goals are going to be, because the Matchplay is still a long shot at the moment.”

Huybrechts also admitted he knew before the match just how important victory over Sedlacek could prove in the race for qualification spots at the Winter Gardens.

He added: “Well, just before the game you know it. When you analyse draws and tournaments, you know it’s important, but when you’re on that stage and playing the game, you don’t think about it.

“Afterwards, I know it was important as well, but it never crossed my mind during the game. I just wanted to win the game.

“I’m not going to think about it too much, but it would be awesome if I qualify because it definitely wasn’t on my shortlist in January.”

Huybrechts returns to action later on Saturday when he faces Chris Dobey for a place in the last 16 at the Euro Tour event.