DIMI: “MY HEART BLED”

By Aaron Nijjar  

DIMITRI Van den Bergh has admitted he is struggling with his form but is determined to turn things around.

‘The Dreamaker’ averaged just 70.90 as he beaten by Michael Smith 10-3 at the UK Open in round six. 

It was the lowest average recorded by a defending champion at the ‘Fa Cup of Darts’. 

World No.19 Van den Bergh then lost 6-3 to Martin Schindler in the second round of the Belgium Open.

The talented Belgian No. 1 was again below his usual standard as he averaged 88.69 in defeat.  

However, Van den Bergh has vowed to turn the negative trend around quickly. 

He told Het Nieuwsblad: “I stood on the stage for the first time without any stress. That truly feels like a mental victory.  

“I know I didn’t play at 100% of my level, but I am working incredibly hard. 

“People don’t see the effort I put in behind the scenes to get back to this point. 

“My results might give the wrong impression, but the most important thing is that I know what I’m doing to improve.  

“I always give my best. Ups and downs are just part of the journey.” 

He added: “I’m in a challenging process right now.  

“It’s something I have to go through, no matter how hard it is. I’m struggling with a lack of self-confidence.  

“After the UK Open, my heart bled. Michael Smith really made a mockery of me there. 

“You start to question yourself, thinking, ‘Why do I have to go through this as a top player?’ because I know the effort I put in to perform. I know what I’m working on. 

“It’s tough to take, straight to the chin, but it’s only through that kind of challenge that you become stronger.

“My dad used to say it all the time: ‘If you work hard, you’ll always go through a rough patch.’ Maybe he’s right again, and this is just the phase I’m going through now.”  

Despite his last two losses, Van den Bergh has had a good start to the year reaching the last four of the Winmau World Masters.  

Van den Bergh knocked out Michael van Gerwen in round two and hit a sensational nine-darter in their match.

And Since 2023, Dimi has reached EIGHT major semi-finals showing his incredible consistency on tour.

Two-time major winner Van den Bergh returns to action today (Tuesday) at the Players Championship Five in Leicester.  

Image by Taylor Lanning.