Darts star makes stunning nine-darter admission after knocking Michael van Gerwen out of World Masters
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Dimitri Van den Bergh hit the first televised nine-dart finish of 2025 during a stunning comeback victory against Michael van Gerwen at the World Masters - but remarkably admitted he didn't even realise his achievement at the time.
The Belgian star produced the perfect leg whilst trailing 3-2 in sets during Saturday night's last-16 clash at Arena MK.
The 30-year-old went on to complete a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Dutch maestro, advancing to the quarter-finals.
Van den Bergh's perfect leg began with two maximum 180s, leaving him requiring 141 for the finish.
Dimitri Van Den Bergh did not even realise he hit a nine-darter at the time
ITV
His Dutch opponent could only muster 140 from his first six darts.
The UK Open champion then stepped up to nail treble 20, treble 15 and double 18 to complete the nine-dart finish, sending the Arena MK crowd into delirium.
Despite the momentous achievement, Van den Bergh remained remarkably composed, offering just a fist bump to Van Gerwen as he collected his darts.
Speaking after the match, Van den Bergh revealed his remarkable focus during the perfect leg.
"I was 3-2 down and the focus was win the leg. I went 180, 180, then I went treble, treble, double 18, and I was like 'yes that's my leg'," he told ITV4.
"And afterwards, after I played the game and won it, people were like, 'Dimi, you've hit a nine-darter', and then I was like, 'oh yeah, I hit a nine'!"
The victory marked only Van den Bergh's second win over Van Gerwen in seven years.
The match concluded in dramatic fashion when Van Gerwen went bust attempting an 87 checkout in the deciding set.
Michael van Gerwen was beaten by Dimitri van den Bergh for just the second time
PA
Van den Bergh will now face Nathan Aspinall in the quarter-finals, after the Englishman secured his place with a 4-1 victory over Cameron Menzies earlier on Saturday.
The quarter-final clash is scheduled for 4pm today at Arena MK.
Van den Bergh reflected on the overall match statistics afterwards.
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DIMI DOES THE NINE-DARTER! 🔥
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) February 1, 2025
DARTING PERFECTION FROM DIMITRI VAN DEN BERGH!
The Belgian produces a moment of absolute magic in his last 16 clash against Michael van Gerwen!
📺 https://t.co/MihfqStAVW #WWMasters pic.twitter.com/4ezoZTqy26
"Me and MVG have just seen the stats, it was a 98 for Michael and a 97 for me. We didn't finish and score the way we normally do," he said.
"I felt in the game that there were many opportunities and there were many moments where I didn't take them. I think it was written in the sky for once that MVG didn't have his night."
"What can I say? I'm stoked!" the Belgian added with a beaming smile.
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