After winning his second consecutive World Series title at the Viaplay Dutch Darts Masters, Dimitri Van den Bergh has set his sights on the Betfred World Matchplay next month.
Van den Bergh maintained his scorching form to win the £20,000 top prize in Amsterdam on Saturday, defeating Dirk van Duijvenbode 8-2 in the final.
The Belgian gave up just seven legs over the weekend, defeating home favourites Ron Meulenkamp, Jermaine Wattimena, and UK Open champion Danny Noppert at the Ziggo Dome.
Van den Bergh is only the fourth player in history to win back-to-back World Series titles, joining the distinguished quartet of Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, and Gary Anderson.
“You can add Dimitri Van den Bergh now. I’m part of this elite group,” said the world number nine, who claimed the Nordic Darts Masters crown a fortnight ago.
“This is incredible, and I want to continue to achieve more. I don’t know if I’ve broken records but I won the trophy and that’s what I came here for.
“You’re competing with the best players in the world, and I’ve won two out of two. To only lose seven legs in the event is amazing.”
Van den Bergh’s next chance for big-stage victory will be at the Betfred World Matchplay, which will be held from July 16 to 24 at Blackpool’s renowned Winter Gardens.
At the 2020 World Matchplay, the 27-year-old won his first senior PDC televised title, defeating Gary Anderson in the behind closed doors event in Milton Keynes.
On his Winter Gardens debut a year ago, the Belgian reached back-to-back finals, only to be stopped by an inspired Peter Wright in last year’s showpiece.
Van den Bergh, on the other hand, is aiming for his third World Matchplay final in a row, with the ultimate goal of winning the title at its spiritual home of Blackpool.
“My dreams are coming true, the hard work is paying off. I am very proud,” added the two-time World Youth Champion.
“I already want to play the next tournament. I want to continue this form and win as much as I can.
“I really want to chase another dream of mine by lifting the trophy in Blackpool.”
Van den Bergh, who made his Premier League debut 12 months ago, is also aiming for a return in 2023.
Despite having the highest tournament average across the 16 nights of league activity, the former World Matchplay champion narrowly missed out on Play-Off qualification last season.
