Jimmy van Schie breaks Kim Huybrechts' heart as the Belgian's European Championship return placed in doubt

JUBILANT Jimmy van Schie stood tall as he broke the heart of Kim Huybrechts.

The Netherlands giant moved into the second round of the Dutch Darts Championship with two stunning out-shots under extreme pressure giving him a 6-5 win.

Huybrechts was poised to progress with three darts in hand to win the 10th leg, but missed his opportunity and van Schie pounced to keep the tie alive.

Not content with that form of ruthless punishment, the 33-year-old repeated the trick in the following leg when he cleaned up a brilliant 116 to claim the decider.

Again, Huybrechts had a shot to win the match, again he missed and van Schie lifted the roof off the arena in Maastricht by stylishly storming through a narrowly-opened door.

The Lakeside champion remained unflustered at the business end of the match and said: "I just tried to get the finish in because he was outscoring me every leg, especially his own legs. I couldn't break him, so I had to take the chances with the big finishes when he let me have a chance. I am so happy.

"It's unbelievable. So many fans, such a nice crowd and, especially playing in front of your home crowd, the feeling is crazy. Thank you, guys."

As van Schie progresses, Huybrechts is now clinging onto his spot in the European Championship in Dortmund and the match was the second of the evening which saw a Dutch star defeat a Belgian rival.

In the previous encounter, Niels Zonneveld also pushed his way into the second round with a solid showing to outgun Mike De Decker.

Triple Z delivered at key moments and was chuffed to come through a tie which was hugely-difficult on paper.

Zonneveld said: "I'm playing Mike De Decker. He won the World Grand Prix two years ago, it's a really tough draw. I'm really happy with the win and the home crowd behind me. So happy. I love it."

Image: Jenny Segers/PDC Europe