Melbourne Win Boosts Wright

World Series of Darts

PETER WRIGHT is hoping that Sunday's Melbourne Darts Masters triumph can kick-start his 2018 campaign.

Five From Five For 2018 World Series

World Series of Darts

PETER WRIGHT'S Melbourne Darts Masters victory means there have been five winners from as many World Series events in 2018.

Wright's Night At Melbourne Darts Masters

World Series of Darts

PETER WRIGHT claimed a second World Series of Darts title after beating Michael Smith 11-8 in the final of the Melbourne Darts Masters.

2018 Melbourne Darts Masters Day Two

World Series of Darts

THE Melbourne Darts Masters continues on Saturday at The Hisense Arena.

2018 Melbourne Darts Masters Day One

World Series of Darts

SIMON WHITLOCK ended Corey Cadby’s return to PDC Darts in the first round of the Melbourne Darts Masters.

Anderson Relishing Clash With 'Best Mate' Heta

World Series of Darts

KYLE ANDERSON is looking forward to facing close friend Damon Heta in the first round of the 2018 Melbourne Darts Masters.

2018 Melbourne Darts Masters Draw

World Series of Darts

AUSTRALIAN rivals Simon Whitlock and Corey Cadby will clash in the Melbourne Darts Masters first round.

Cadby Desperate To Make Up For Lost Time

World Series of Darts

COREY CADBY is aiming to make up for lost time as he makes his return to action at the Melbourne Darts Masters on Friday.

Pusey Better For Auckland Experience

World Series of Darts

TIM PUSEY believes he will benefit from the experience of his TV debut as he prepares for the Melbourne Darts Masters.

PDC Quiz: Australia 2018 Edition

World Series of Darts

PUT your darts knowledge to the test with our Official PDC Quiz: Australia 2018 Edition.

Dimitri Van den Bergh completed a World Series of Darts double with glory in the Viaplay Dutch Darts Masters on Saturday, seeing off home favourite Dirk van Duijvenbode 8-2 in the final.

Van den Bergh had won his maiden World Series title a fortnight ago in the Nordic Darts Masters at Forum Copenhagen, and he doubled his tally in style with a dominant showing at the Ziggo Dome.

Having dropped just two legs in his first round win over Ron Meulenkamp on Friday, the Belgian averaged almost 99 in a 6-1 quarter-final romp against Jermaine Wattimena.

He then powered past UK Open champion Danny Noppert 7-2 in the semi-finals and opened up a 4-0 lead over Van Duijvenbode in the final to move half-way to victory.

The Dutchman hit back in leg five, but Van den Bergh finished 72 for a 14-darter and then pinned double 18 to move 6-1 up.

Van den Bergh saw Van Duijvenbode double his tally in leg eight, despite landing two 180s in the leg, but the Belgian wrapped up proceedings in emphatic style, firing in legs of 13 and 14 darts to prevail with a 104 average.

"It's incredible - I'm very proud," said Van den Bergh. "To only lose seven legs in the event is amazing.

"It's incredible and it's not expected. I don't know if I've broken records but I've got the trophy and that's what I came here for.

"I think I've done a great job in Copenhagen and here and I'm grateful to be invited to play in these World Series events.

"This is the top players in the world and I've won two out of two, so I want to take this into the World Matchplay next month now.

"I'm so happy because I keep achieving my dreams. I want to keep continuing this because it's an incredible feeling. I want to achieve more."

Having seen off four Dutch stars in as many games at the Ziggo Dome to silence the home crowd, he added: "I didn't only play Dirk and the class that Dirk has, but I've also had to play the massive support he had.

"I understand them and I respect Dirk so much. It wasn't hard to play the opponent, I had to be so strong in my mind."

Van Duijvenbode had produced a superb 72 finish in the deciding leg of his entertaining semi-final contest with James Wade, who had checked out a sublime 140 to lead 6-5 before seeing the Dutchman claim the final two legs.

The World Cup semi-finalist had also seen off Martijn Kleermaker 6-4 in the quarter-finals, having knocked out World Champion Peter Wright in the first round, but admitted after the final: "I was just not good enough.

"He played well but I think I could have done better than I did and I'm disappointed that I didn't play a good game.

"I felt great but I felt a little bit unlucky sometimes. It's amazing - I love playing for a crowd that is supporting you as much as they did.

"I'm disappointed I didn't win it, but I could have done worse this weekend. This is the last TV tournament before the [World] Matchplay and I feel ready. Hopefully I'll get another gear for that one - let's go!"

Dutchmen Maik Kuivenhoven and Vincent van der Voort also lost out in the last eight to Wade and Noppert respectively, with six of the eight players from the Netherlands having won through to the second day of action in Amsterdam.

The Viaplay Dutch Darts Masters was the month's third World Series of Darts event, following tournaments in New York and Copenhagen, before the focus now moves to an August treble-header Down Under.

The action begins with PalmerBet Queensland Darts Masters on August 12-13, is followed by the PalmerBet NSW Darts Masters on August 19-20 before crossing to Hamilton for the NZ Darts Masters on August 26-27. For tickets, visit pdc.tv/tickets.

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