The opening day of the 2026 Belgian Darts Open delivered a much-needed shot of adrenaline for Belgian darts fans! Despite a recent period of struggle for the nation’s top players, local stars Kim Huybrechts and Andy Baetens captivated the home crowd in Wieze with stunning victories against formidable opponents. Their exceptional performances have not only given Belgian darts a vital boost but also set the stage for an exciting second round, proving that even against a gloomy backdrop, local talent can shine brightly.
Belgian Darts on the Brink: A Glimmer of Hope Emerges
For Belgian darts, the period leading up to the 2026 Belgian Darts Open has been challenging. With Mike De Decker’s World Grand Prix win in October 2024 being a rare highlight, the landscape has largely seen Dimitri van den Bergh sliding down the rankings, Kim Huybrechts facing the threat of losing his PDC Tour Card by the end of 2026, and Andy Baetens having already lost his at the close of 2025. This situation was further compounded by no Belgians succeeding at Q-School this year, indicating a net reduction in Belgian presence on the PDC Pro Tour.
Yet, the Host Nation Qualifier for this European Tour event assembled a remarkably strong local contingent, including former Premier League player Huybrechts, former WDF world champion Baetens, and former Lakeside semi-finalist Francois Schweyen, alongside Pascal Devroey. This lineup hinted at the potential for a turnaround, and Day 1 certainly delivered.
Belgian Stars Shine Bright: Huybrechts and Baetens Lead the Charge
Kim Huybrechts Dominates with a Century Average
Leading the Belgian resurgence was two-time European Tour winner Kim Huybrechts. He delivered arguably the performance of the day, enchanting the home crowd with a sensational display. Averaging an impressive 101.76, Huybrechts secured a decisive 6-3 victory over Germany’s Niko Springer. This win sets up a thrilling second-round clash against Josh Rock, and Huybrechts is feeling confident:
“This is what you play darts for… The feeling you get when you play in front of your home crowd and you win – this is amazing. I’m feeling really good lately. I’m working very hard on my game with Eric [Clarys], and you have to work hard to be at the top level.”
Andy Baetens Triumphs in a Last-Leg Thriller
Not to be outdone, Andy Baetens also delivered a memorable performance on home soil. He overcame an exceptional challenge from former Masters champion Joe Cullen, who himself averaged over 101. In a nail-biting, last-leg decider, Baetens emerged victorious, much to the delight of the Wieze crowd. His hard-fought win earns him another fascinating encounter in the second round, where he will face fifth seed Stephen Bunting.
Major Upsets and Notable Performances
- Wessel Nijman’s bid for back-to-back European Tour titles was abruptly ended by Poland’s number two, Sebastian Bialecki, who showcased an impressive 99.78 average in his 6-3 win. Bialecki now faces Premier League leader Jonny Clayton.
- Five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld’s first European Tour appearance of the year was short-lived, as he suffered a crushing 6-1 defeat to the enigmatic Croatian Boris Krcmar. Krcmar, with a 101+ average and incredible 116 and 121 checkouts, now prepares for a formidable challenge against Luke Littler.
- Mickey Mansell reignited his rivalry with Michael Smith, securing a 6-3 victory with sublime finishes including a 161. He now faces another former World Champion, Michael van Gerwen.
- Cristo Reyes’ remarkable comeback continued, highlighted by a stunning 160 finish and a 102 average in his 6-4 win over Krzysztof Ratajski. He aims for a major scalp against James Wade.
- Niels Zonneveld, fresh from a semi-final appearance last weekend, maintained his excellent form with a 100+ average in a convincing 6-4 victory. He will now face the resurgent Belgian number one, Mike De Decker.
- Dirk van Duijvenbode secured a strong 6-3 win, setting up a blockbuster clash with world number two Luke Humphries.
- Dave Chisnall recovered from an early deficit to win 6-2, and Ricky Evans also advanced with a 6-2 victory. They will face Chris Dobey and Ryan Searle, respectively.
- Daryl Gurney dispatched Ian White 6-1, setting up a showdown with Australian number one Damon Heta.
- Other winners included Ryan Joyce, William O’Connor, and Cameron Menzies, who all moved on to the second round.
Mixed Fortunes for Local Talent, Excitement Builds for Day 2
While Huybrechts and Baetens celebrated, other Belgian Host Nation representatives, Pascal Devroey and Francois Schweyen, unfortunately, did not advance, losing to Luke Woodhouse and Ryan Meikle respectively.
The Belgian Darts Open continues with a bumper double session on Saturday in Wieze. The tournament truly kicks into high gear as the PDC’s Top 16 players, including global superstars Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Michael van Gerwen, make their highly anticipated entry into the fray. With the stage now set, Day 2 promises even more thrilling darts action and potential upsets.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
