Vandenbogaerde: Second Belgian Out in World Darts Championship First Round
In a disappointing turn of events, Belgian player Mario Vandenbogaerde has been eliminated in the first round of the World Darts Championship. He faced a decisive defeat against Welshman David Davies, losing 3-0 in a best-of-five format. This loss marks Vandenbogaerde as the second Belgian player to exit the tournament early, following Kim Huybrechts’s earlier elimination.
Match Overview
The match took place on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Vandenbogaerde, ranked 66th in the PDC, faced Davies, who is ranked 144th. Despite the difference in their rankings, Vandenbogaerde struggled significantly throughout the match.
Performance Details
- Set Results: Vandenbogaerde lost each set, with scores of 0-3.
- Checkout Percentage: Vandenbogaerde had a checkout percentage that fluctuated, averaging 33.33% across the sets.
- Davies’s Efficiency: Davies was notably effective, achieving a checkout percentage of around 50%.
Match Highlights
Throughout the match, Vandenbogaerde appeared nervous. His inability to maintain composure cost him crucial opportunities. The Welsh player, on the other hand, showcased steady performance, capitalizing on Vandenbogaerde’s mistakes.
Vandenbogaerde did manage to even the score in certain legs, but failed to convert essential finishes that could have kept him competitive. For instance, he missed an 8-finish in a critical moment, allowing Davies to maintain control over the match.
Match Statistics
| Player | Checkout Percentage | Average Score (per 3 darts) |
|---|---|---|
| Mario Vandenbogaerde | 33.33% | 89.72 |
| David Davies | 50.00% | 85.59 |
Upcoming Matches
Following this victory, David Davies will advance to face title defender Luke Littler in the second round. Vandenbogaerde’s exit echoes the challenges faced by Belgian players in this year’s championship, as they seek to solidify their standings in the sport.
Conclusion
Mario Vandenbogaerde’s early exit from the World Darts Championship highlights the competitive nature of the event. As players like Davies move forward, Vandenbogaerde will need to regroup and focus on future opportunities.
