Jimmy van Schie produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Kim Huybrechts 6-5 in the first round of the Dutch Darts Championship in Maastricht, surviving four match darts before sealing victory with a brilliant 116 checkout. The Dutchman could hardly believe his luck after the match, admitting to Viaplay that he had barely expected to leave the stage as the winner.
"Yes, that's unbelievable," Van Schie said when asked how good the victory felt. "It wasn't brilliant, but each time I did just enough. I only had to break his throw once. He was fantastic in his own legs. There was nothing I could do. But this was the only chance I got to win the match. Brilliant, fantastic."
Van Schie was remarkably honest about the balance of play, acknowledging that Huybrechts was the better player for much of the match. "One hundred per cent. I was simply the weaker player of the two. But you have to try to win matches like that as well. And if this is how it has to be done, then so be it." The Belgian's missed doubles helped Van Schie stay in contention, with Huybrechts squandering four match darts in total and unable to find the decisive double.
Reflecting on his mindset during the contest, Van Schie said: "I didn't feel settled at all. I got better, but so did he. I just couldn't get among his own legs. Then, when he kept missing, you start to feel a little hope. And then that one finish goes in, followed by the last one." That final finish was one to remember, as Van Schie produced the 116 checkout to seal the win and give the Maastricht crowd a thrilling finish.
The victory was particularly emotional for Van Schie, who had lost several close matches recently. "I never thought I was going to win this match. Not at all. If you count everything, I've lost about six matches in the last 16 recently. That was a hurdle I really had to get over." Those earlier defeats had also been on his mind in the build-up. "It was on my mind all day. I thought, come on, surely I have to beat him once?"
Van Schie was not too concerned that the win had not come through a dominant performance. "It wasn't dominant, but a win is a win. And I'm in the second round tomorrow." He added: "I get to enjoy this wonderful crowd again. Fantastic."
