World Darts Champion Apologizes to Sky Sports Pundit on Live TV
In a surprising turn of events at the World Darts Championship, Belgian player Dimitri Van den Bergh faced a first-round elimination. He suffered a 3-0 defeat against debutant Darren Beveridge during the match held at the iconic Alexandra Palace.
Dimitri Van den Bergh’s Struggles
Van den Bergh, 31, had a disappointing performance at the event, managing to win only one leg. This loss marked a continuation of his struggles over the past year. In April, he decided to step back from professional darts to focus on family, leaving fans questioning his future in the sport.
Live Apology to Sky Sports Pundit
During a live broadcast on Sky Sports, pundit Glen Durrant revealed that he received a text from Van den Bergh shortly after the match. The message was an almost apologetic note regarding his performance. Durrant expressed his sadness, stating, “I’m very, very close to him and I’m saddened to see him like that.”
Durrant’s Insight on the Match
Durrant, a two-time world champion, empathized with Van den Bergh, recalling his own career lows. He noted the unpredictability of the sport, saying, “You’re scratching your head thinking how can the game look so easy at one point and then all of a sudden everything becomes difficult.”
Darren Beveridge’s Remarkable Victory
Darren Beveridge, on the other hand, celebrated one of the most significant victories of his career. He expressed disbelief at his success on such a big stage, stating, “I dreamed of this when I was 13 years old. This is one of the greatest days of my life.” At 33, Beveridge acknowledged Van den Bergh’s past achievements and stressed the importance of staying focused on his own game.
Looking Ahead
- Van den Bergh’s Future: Needs to address his challenges to rebuild his standing in darts.
- Upcoming Events: With 2026 on the horizon, Van den Bergh aims to improve his performance.
- Beveridge’s Ambitions: A new chapter begins after this historic win.
The World Darts Championship continues to showcase the highs and lows of the sport, with players like Van den Bergh and Beveridge demonstrating the intense pressure and emotional challenges faced by athletes at this level.