After the stunts, now the departure: the 1/8 Finals are the final stop for the Belgians in the Players Championship Finals | Arrows

Kim Huybrechts does not lack self-confidence.

In the 1/16 final he sent former world champion Jerwyn Price to bed without candy. He also started the match well against Stephen Ponting.

But Ponting soon showed that he was a difficult customer. The Englishman did not give our compatriot an inch and followed him until 8-8. Money time, because whoever scores the first 10 winning matches will qualify for the quarter-finals.

The 140 flew around the ears of both players, but it was Ponting who kept his cool on the off. After an exciting match, the score was 8-10: 1 Belgian out.

On to the Mario Vandenbogaerde game then.

He had a tough match with Michael van Gerwen. With a maximum of four points, the Dutchman quickly showed that he played in a higher class than the world number 69.

In addition, Van Gerwen made another 40% on exit points, resulting in a deserved 10-6 win.

Thus, the hope was placed on Dimitri van den Bergh to be the only Belgian to qualify for the quarter-finals. He put James Wade in front of him late that evening.

But “Dream Maker” alternates powerful moments with doubts. He soon found himself trailing 1-4. He was never able to overcome that – despite the five 180s that followed.

So there is no continuation of the tour de force against Anderson. The Belgian’s third exit of the evening after another 6-10.