Luke Littler has withdrawn from the Flanders Darts Trophy in Antwerp this coming weekend, opening the door for Kim Huybrechts to step in as third reserve and play in front of his home crowd at Antwerp Expo. The news comes on the back of Littler's Czech Darts Open title, with the PDC confirming the withdrawal on Tuesday.
Huybrechts narrowly missed out on qualification at the end of July, losing 6-1 to Bradley Brooks in the final round of the Tour Card Holder Qualifier. That defeat left him third on the reserve list, meaning a withdrawal from a seeded player could still bring him into the field. On Tuesday, "The Hurricane" received the call to confirm he will indeed line up in Antwerp. It also means that, besides Littler, two more seeded players have pulled out, though their names are not yet known at the time of writing.
Beyond the chance to perform in front of his own fans this weekend, it is also a prime late opportunity for Huybrechts to secure a World Grand Prix ticket. The Belgian currently sits 18th on £79,500, with only the top 16 assured of a place at the major. This weekend is the final chance to add prize money for the Grand Prix race, handing the Belgian a golden opportunity to qualify. The gap to Cristo Reyes, currently 16th, is only £2,500, so one or two wins could be enough to book his spot at the prestigious Leicester event.
Alongside the World Grand Prix, Huybrechts is also firmly in the hunt for the European Championship. With three European Tour events remaining this year, the Belgian sits 30th, just on the right side of the cut. His cushion over 33rd-placed Stephen Bunting is only £4,500. With his unexpected Antwerp call-up, "The Hurricane" can now add some extra prize money and give himself more breathing room for the European Championship race. Given his excellent form in recent months, it would be no surprise if he secures places at both the World Grand Prix and the European Championship this weekend.
