Van Veen admits he is “a bit worried” about Van den Bergh’s Tour Card

GIAN VAN VEEN insists Belgian darts will be “100 percent fine” despite growing concerns over the futures of Dimitri Van den Bergh and Mike De Decker.

Van den Bergh, 32, has endured a nightmare season and failed to reach a quarter-final in the opening 22 Players Championship events.

The two-time major winner has not won a match on TV this year and has since stepped away from the remaining tournaments to take a break from the game.

But Van den Bergh did return to action last week, only to suffer another disappointing setback as he missed out on the Flanders Darts Trophy, losing 6-2 to Andy Baetens in the local qualifier.

Dimi is now at risk of falling off the PDC tour, having failed to qualify for several majors and featured in just ONE European Tour event this campaign.

Former World Grand Prix champ De Decker is also struggling to rediscover his best form and risks dropping out of the world's top 32.

The Real Deal has not won a title since his triumph in Leicester two years ago.

But Van Veen does not believe Belgian darts is facing a structural crisis.

He told Het Nieuwsblad: “It will be 100 percent fine for the Belgians.

“Look at how good Mike De Decker was two years ago. That level hasn’t vanished; he just took a mental hit after that switch of darts.

“It’s hard to bounce back from that, especially when 30 or 40 players are right behind you to take your spot.”

Van Veen admits he is more concerned about Van den Bergh’s current situation given his extended absence from competitive action.

He added: “I am a bit worried about Dimitri Van den Bergh’s Tour Card, because he hasn’t thrown for several months now.

“I’ve always had good contact with him… I’m curious to see how he gets on this autumn.

“But look at Kim Huybrechts: he’s back after a lean spell. So I wouldn’t panic too quickly.”

The world No3 also believes the country has enough emerging talent to produce another generation of stars.

He continued: My best advice for those young lads is: enjoy what you do.

“At such a young age, there shouldn’t be too much pressure from yourself, parents, or the outside world.

“You see what that can trigger, because you often see young players develop dartitis.

“Everyone wants to match the 19-year-old Luke Littler, but that’s not going to happen.

“So: enjoy it. Because the more fun you have, the better it will go.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning