Foes turned ‘best friends’ Dimitri van den Bergh and Kim Huybrechts screamed in each other’s faces en route to a dramatic win over the Netherlands at the World Cup of Darts.
The Belgium team’s fractious relationship was the talk of the group phase after they completely blanked each other during their 4-0 win over Finland. It soon emerged there was genuine beef between the pair, who were interviewed separately after that game.
Following an outcry on social media, and among Belgian darts fans in particular, the duo agreed to put their differences to one side, even issuing a joint statement to that effect ahead of their win over China on Friday.
However, the real test of their truce would come in the second round tie against the Dutch team of Dirk van Duijvenbode and Danny Noppert. The signs were promising before the match, with the pair even sharing a hug, a complete contrast to the icy scenes on Thursday. At one stage, after Van den Bergh had nailed a crucial double to make it 3-3, they yelled in other's faces in celebration.
READ MORE: Feuding Dimitri van den Bergh and Kim Huybrechts speak out after blanking each other
But the Dutch duo were pumped up too, especially Van Duijvenbode, and the match went all the way to a deciding leg. Van den Bergh eventually hit the winning dart after delaying his throw as he waited in vain for the raucous German crowd to quieten down.
The Belgian then celebrated wildly before being interviewed with his teammate on stage. Next up for Belgium is a quarter-final clash against Australia side containing Van den Bergh’s housemate Damon Heta.
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When reminded of the friendship between Van den Bergh and Heta, Huybrechts said: “We’re playing Australia, not one of his best friends. I’m sure he [Heta] gets it, we’re team Belgium. Now I’m his [Van den Bergh] best friend.”
Van den Bergh then piped in: “Yeah, you’re not going to believe but he is, right now. We love our country, we love our colours. I love Damon a bit, but he knows [it’s], back to basics and he knows it's business.”
The pair then incredibly broke into a chant in honour of their country. Whether their relationship can be repaired beyond the tournament is unclear but they have certainly provided one of the storylines of the tournament.
“I’m not convinced that DVDB & Huybrechts are ok with each other, it’s very forced,” said one fan. Another agreed: “Every celebration from Dimi or Huybrechts just feels awkward,”
But a third added: “Such a good game, this duo of Huybrechts and DVD is soooo good, I can’t lie, so entertaining to watch.”
Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “All pantomime [laughing face emojis], fair play, it's been fantastic so far.”
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