DIMI SHOCK WITHDRAWAL FROM PROTOUR

By Aaron Nijjar 

DIMITRI Van den Bergh surprisingly withdrew from his match just minutes before he was due at the oche. 

Two-time major winner Van den Bergh was set to face Jose de Sousa in the 13th Players Championship event of the year in Rosmalen on Monday.  

‘The Dreammaker’ was scheduled to take to the stage for his first-round tie at 1:25pm. 

But the PDC revealed just four minutes before his expected walk-on that he had pulled out. 

They confirmed in a statement that an illness was the reason for his withdrawal. 

Van den Bergh was not replaced in the draw and De Sousa was handed a walkover into the second round. 

According to Het Laatste Nieuws, Van den Bergh had been warming up as usual ahead of the match.   

The report noted: “He was smiling, relaxed – there was no sign that anything was wrong.  

“Then, suddenly, he packed up his gear and left. The other players backstage were left stunned.”  

However, sources close to the Belgian said he began feeling unwell shortly before play and made a late decision to pull out. 

His fiancée Evi wrote on Facebook: “An explanation will follow when the time is right. Dimitri wouldn’t do this lightly.  

“In 10 years as a professional, he’s never withdrawn like this. What had to be done, was done. 

“There’s no need for justification – but when the time is right, there will be communication.” 

World No. 20 Van den Bergh also withdrew from the Players Championship 14 the following day. 

Former UK Open champion Van den Bergh is expected to return to the stage this weekend at the German Darts Grand Prix.  

Damon Heta and Jonny Clayton claimed victories at Players Championship 13 and 14.  

The tour now takes a short break before returning on Monday, May 12th in Hildesheim for the 15th event of the season. 

Image by Taylor Lanning.