World Youth Championship darts: Dimitri van den Bergh becomes first player to win Youth title twice
Dimitri van den Bergh became the first player to win the PDC's World Youth Championship twice after beating Martin Schindler 6-3 to clinch back-to-back crowns in Minehead.
The talented Belgian, who defeated Josh Payne by the same scoreline at the Butlin's Resort 12 months ago, averaged 101 and hit four 180s while he also raised the roof with a 151 checkout in a 12-dart leg that put him 3-0 up.
Schindler responded with a 107 checkout to get on the board but could only manage two more legs as the 24-year-old created his own slice of history.
Van den Bergh became the first player to average over 100 in a World Youth final last year, so repeating the feat 12 months on underlines his potential in the game.
"It feels incredible," said Van den Bergh. "I knew that I had the chance to make history and this is more beautiful than last year.
"Knowing that I'm back-to-back champion is something I will remember forever. I'm very, very happy that I played like I did because Martin is a fighter."
Van den Bergh, 24, will now concentrate solely on the senior circuit, and has set his sights on emulating last year's run to the quarter-finals of the William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
"In the World Youth Championship I've done my best and shown the young players that if you believe in yourself you can follow your dreams,” he added.
"I will be stronger now at the World Championship and will be focused on taking it step by step."
World Youth Championship: Roll of Honour
- 2011 Aaron Monk 6-4 Michael van Gerwen
- 2012 James Hubbard 6-3 Michael van Gerwen
- 2013 Michael Smith 6-1 Evans
- 2014 Keegan Brown 6-4 Rowby-John Rodriguez
- 2015 Max Hopp 6-5 Nathan ASpinall
- 2016 Corey Cadby 6-2 Berry van Peer
- 2017 Dimitri van den Bergh 6-3 Josh Payne
- 2018 Dimitri van den Bergh 6-3 Martin Schindler
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