The 2025 Flanders Darts Trophy, held at the Antwerp Expo in Belgium from August 29 to 31, kicked off with a flurry of drama as Dutch legend Raymond van Barneveld powered through to the second round, while former world champion Michael Smith suffered a stunning first-round defeat. The tenth stop on the PDC European Tour, this tournament boasts a £175,000 prize fund, with £30,000 reserved for the winner, and features a star-studded field of 48 players. As defending champion Dave Chisnall prepares to defend his title, the opening night showcased both the resilience of veterans and the unpredictability of darts, captivating the passionate Belgian crowd.
Van Barneveld, a five-time world champion, demonstrated his enduring class by overcoming a 2-0 deficit to defeat Belgian qualifier Xanti Van den Bergh 6-3. The 58-year-old Dutchman, who has hinted at scaling back his schedule in 2026, delivered a clinical performance, including a beautiful 123 checkout in the penultimate leg to seal the victory. His win sets up an intriguing second-round clash with Ryan Searle on Saturday, a matchup that promises to test van Barneveld’s mettle against one of England’s rising stars. “Of course, you want to keep pushing,” van Barneveld said earlier this year about his drive to compete, a sentiment that resonates as he continues to defy expectations despite contemplating a lighter schedule.
In contrast, Michael Smith’s campaign ended abruptly in a heart-stopping 6-5 loss to Belgian Mario Vandenbogaerde. The 2023 world champion, known as “Bully Boy,” struggled to find his rhythm against the home favorite, who capitalized on the electric atmosphere to secure a last-leg decider. Vandenbogaerde’s victory, one of three by Belgian players on the opening night, electrified the Antwerp crowd and earned him a high-profile second-round tie against Jonny Clayton. Smith’s early exit is a blow to his hopes of climbing the European Tour Order of Merit, where he currently sits precariously at 32nd, highlighting the fine margins that define success in professional darts.
The Belgian contingent shone brightly on home soil, with Mike De Decker and Kim Huybrechts also advancing. De Decker dispatched Martin Lukeman 6-3, setting up a clash with Martin Schindler, while Huybrechts edged out Lukas Wenig 6-5 to face James Wade. “I feel no pressure to be the ‘brother of’—I’m carving my own path,” said Xanti Van den Bergh after a recent win, a mindset echoed by his compatriots who seized the moment in front of their home fans. These victories underscore Belgium’s growing influence in darts, with the Flanders Darts Trophy marking the country’s second European Tour event this season alongside the Belgian Darts Open.
The tournament’s first round also saw other notable results. Dylan Slevin’s 6-3 win over Francois Schweyen secured a second-round meeting with top seed Luke Littler, while Leon Weber’s 6-5 upset of Jermaine Wattimena earned him a shot at defending champion Chisnall. Gian van Veen’s 6-2 rout of Adam Gawlas sets up a blockbuster all-Dutch showdown with Michael van Gerwen, who is looking to shake off rust after a summer of festivals. “For a first tournament after his holiday, it was fine,” Vincent van der Voort said of van Gerwen’s recent form, hinting at the potential for a strong showing in Antwerp.
The Flanders Darts Trophy’s competitive field, including stars like Stephen Bunting and Luke Humphries, promises more fireworks as the tournament progresses. Bunting, fresh off a Players Championship title with a 101.7 average, faces Joe Cullen, while Humphries takes on Ritchie Edhouse. The absence of Gerwyn Price, who withdrew due to a hand injury, has reshaped the draw, giving Ryan Joyce a bye into the third round. With crucial ranking points at stake ahead of the European Darts Championship, every match carries weight.
As the Antwerp Expo buzzes with anticipation, van Barneveld’s advance and Smith’s shock exit highlight the sport’s unpredictability. The Belgian fans, known for their raucous support, are set for a thrilling weekend as veterans and rising stars battle for glory.[](https://www.skysports.com/darts/news/12288/13420742/flanders-darts-trophy-raymond-van-barneveld-through-as-michael-smith-knocked-out-in-belgium)
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