Dimitri Van den Bergh is aiming to continue his remarkable Betfred World Matchplay record in 2023, as he prepares to take on European Champion Ross Smith in his Blackpool opener on Monday evening.
Van den Bergh has reached at least the semi-finals in his three previous appearances in the sport’s summer showpiece, memorably lifting the title on his debut in 2020.
The two-time World Youth champion enjoyed a fairy-tale run to victory three years ago, defeating Nathan Aspinall, Joe Cullen, Adrian Lewis, Glen Durrant and Gary Anderson to claim his maiden senior televised crown.
Peter Wright and Michael van Gerwen are the only players to have beaten Van den Bergh at this event, with the Belgian finishing runner-up in 2021, before succumbing in the semi-finals 12 months ago.
“I absolutely love this tournament,” claimed Van den Bergh, who lifted the Phil Taylor Trophy when the event was held behind-closed-doors in Milton Keynes.
“Everybody says that when you’re playing at the Winter Gardens, magical things can happen and I think that might be it – the magic, the angel on my shoulders.
“I’m really happy that I have once again qualified for this historic tournament, and I just want to go up there, do everything right, and make everybody proud.
“I don’t know what the secret is, but I have beautiful memories in Blackpool, that’s for sure.”
Van den Bergh will arrive at the Empress Ballroom in confident mood, after defeating home favourite Krzysztof Ratajski and top seed Gerwyn Price to reach last weekend’s Poland Darts Masters final.
The 29-year-old also averaged 105 to topple Czech star Karel Sedlacek in Warsaw, and it took an inspired display from Van Gerwen to deny him a third World Series of Darts title.
Van den Bergh – who returned to the Premier League fold in 2023 – enjoyed a strong finish to his second campaign, celebrating a nightly victory on the final night of league action in Aberdeen back in May.
He also helped steer Belgium to last month’s World Cup of Darts semi-finals alongside Kim Huybrechts, producing some superb individual averages in the process.
“I think that I’m mentally really strong at the moment, and I’m feeling positive,” added Van den Bergh, one of only three former champions left in the tournament.
“I am 100% a better player now compared to when I won this title. I have gained so much more experience; I’ve played bigger games and I’ve had the real experience of the Premier League now.
“Mentally I just know that whatever is in front of me, if I do what I need to do, there is always a chance for me to win any game.
“My self-belief has grown to the next level thanks to the last few years, and I think there is nobody I need to be afraid of.”
Van den Bergh will kick off his fourth World Matchplay campaign with an intriguing clash against England's Smith, who is making just his second appearance at the Winter Gardens.
Smith was beaten by Rob Cross on his Blackpool bow in 2021, although he’s taken his game to a new level over the last 12 months, capped off with his sensational European Championship success last October.
The 34-year-old defeated Van den Bergh on his way to lifting the title in Dortmund, and Belgium’s premier player needs no reminder of his opponent’s credentials.
"Me and Ross had a great game when he won the European Championship,” continued Van den Bergh, the solitary Belgian left standing in Blackpool after Mike De Decker and Kim Huybrechts were beaten on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
“I think it’s going to be an amazing game because Ross is playing some cracking darts, but you have to focus on your own game.
“If I am doing the damage at the right times, why can’t I go all the way and win it again?"
The Betfred World Matchplay will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK, through the PDC's worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding UK, Germany, Austria & Switzerland based subscribers).
2023 Betfred World Matchplay
Monday July 17 (1900 BST)
4x First Round
Dimitri Van den Bergh v Ross Smith
Ryan Searle v Raymond van Barneveld
Peter Wright v Andrew Gilding
Jonny Clayton v Gabriel Clemens