Xanti hits back at criticism of brother Dimitri as Flanders fairytale comes to an end

The dream debut of Xanti Van den Bergh at the Flanders Darts Trophy came to a halt at the very first hurdle, as the younger brother of two-time major champion Dimitri Van den Bergh bowed out 6–3 to Dutch legend Raymond van Barneveld in the opening round.

The 21-year-old Antwerp native had earned his spot in Wieze the hard way, coming through the Belgian qualifier with a statement victory over reigning WDF World Champion Andy Baetens in the decisive round. That triumph handed him a ticket to the tenth stop of the European Tour – and a daunting clash with the five-time World Champion.

Accompanied by his family – brothers Dimitri and Viani, and father Chris – Xanti took to the stage to the sounds of local favourites De Strangers. Far from overawed, the Development Tour regular came out firing, producing three 180s in the first four legs to move 2–1 ahead. He even had darts to extend the lead to 3–1, and later missed opportunities to edge 4–3 in front on his own throw. Van Barneveld, however, showed his trademark composure, pinching that leg before breaking throw and seeing out the contest 6–3 with clinical finishing.

Van den Bergh averaged 86.33 in defeat, and while that figure is more than respectable for a European Tour debutant, the youngster was visibly frustrated with the missed chances that could have turned the tie on its head.

But the debutant was far from satisfied afterwards. Where many “Host Nation Qualifiers” are just pleased to test themselves against Europe’s elite, Van den Bergh made clear his ambitions were much higher.

Those darts at tops – bloody hell!” he told Het Nieuwsblad afterwards. “I could have gone 4–3 up, throwing for 5–3. Instead it slipped away, and that hurts. The walk-on was unbelievable, though. So many people, the atmosphere was incredible. Before I knew it, I saw Brian Raman [who I practise with a lot], and suddenly I was on stage. People pushed marker pens into my hand but none of them worked, so I couldn’t sign autographs – but at least I could take pictures (laughs). Crazy experience.”

Despite the defeat, Van den Bergh underlined his ambition and competitive edge, qualities that clearly run deep in the family.

“When you go 2–0 up with a flying start, you think you’re in control. Then suddenly it’s 3–3. I had darts at tops, double 10, and missed. I even had a shot at 148 and clipped the wire. If that goes, the whole game changes. But that’s darts.”