Dimitri Van den Bergh has hailed the achievements of his compatriot Luca Brecel, who created history with victory at the World Snooker Championship earlier this month.
Brecel celebrated a thrilling 18-15 win over Mark Selby at the Crucible on May 1, to become the first player from mainland Europe to triumph in the sport’s flagship event.
The unheralded Belgian dumped out former champions Mark Williams and Ronnie O’Sullivan on his path to glory, before following up a dramatic comeback win over Si Jiahui by sinking Selby in a dramatic showpiece.
“I think it will definitely put Belgian sport even more in the spotlight,” said Van den Bergh, who enjoyed similarly groundbreaking success at the World Matchplay in July 2020.
Van den Bergh toppled two-time World Champion Gary Anderson to lift the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy almost three years ago, which saw him become the first player from his homeland to win a PDC televised title.
“Luca did an incredible job. He was fantastic, and all the comebacks, wow,” added Van den Bergh, who is set to lead Belgium at this year’s World Cup of Darts.
“I always kept messaging him saying: ‘Believe in yourself, you’re a beast, never give up,’ and he said the same things back to me.
“I am very proud of that young man. He has done an amazing thing, especially for Belgian snooker, and I just hope to do the same thing in darts.”
Van den Bergh first crossed paths with Brecel during lockdown, when they were both competing on their respective circuits at Milton Keynes’ Marshall Arena.
“I was looking at him thinking 'I know you from somewhere' and he said the same thing to me, then I said 'you're that snooker player' and he said 'yeah, you're that dart player',” Van den Bergh recalled.
“We exchanged numbers and stayed in contact so seeing him win that world title, I was on the couch all nervous. Honestly, I had tears in my eyes. I was full of joy.
“When it comes to Belgium being a small country, we've got great cyclists, a World Snooker Champion, great soccer players and we're not too bad in the darts!
“It's awesome that this little nation can be so big around the world.”
Brecel had lost his five previous first-round ties at the Crucible, and he claimed the secret to his success was his pre-tournament preparation.
Snooker’s newest superstar revealed he spent most of his time playing darts throughout the event, and Van den Bergh is looking forward to a reunion with his fellow countryman.
“Me and Luca are completely the opposite. He loves to play darts for fun and I love to play snooker for fun,” added the former World Matchplay champion.
“I am sure we will stay in contact and when it’s possible, we will probably meet up and have a good evening of snooker and darts!”
Van den Bergh will be hoping to replicate Brecel’s Sheffield success on Thursday, as the Cazoo Premier League roadshow heads to the Utilita Arena for Night 15 of the 2023 season.
Van den Bergh’s quarter-final defeat to Chris Dobey in Manchester last Thursday ended his hopes of Play-Off qualification, but he’s determined to end his campaign on a high.
“This is a new experience and I want to learn from it,” continued the Belgian, who will take on Play-Off chasing Jonny Clayton in his quarter-final clash in the Steel City.
“I have played some really good games and lost them, but you’re playing against the best of the best, and I will come back stronger.
“There is still a lot more to come from me, but I am still young, and I am gaining experience that will make me a better player in the future.”