The opening day of the Hungarian Darts Trophy ended in disappointment for Dirk van Duijvenbode, as an extraordinary lapse cost the Dutchman his place in the tournament.
Van Duijvenbode looked in control early on, racing into a 3–1 lead. But what followed was a shocking moment rarely, if ever, seen at professional level. The mistake turned the match on its head, and he was eventually eliminated by world No. 112 Tom Bissell, who capitalized fully on the opportunity. The Englishman, delighted with his victory, will return to the stage on Saturday.
BISSELL UPSETS DIRK!
More drama in Hungary!
In a last leg decider, Dirk van Duijvenbode misses TWO big numbers with 60 left – leaving Tom Bissell to clean up and win his first game on the European Tour!
📺 https://t.co/YyBPPwoMK8 #ET12 pic.twitter.com/eCccyG1AwV
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) September 19, 2025
It was a day to forget for the Dutch contingent. Wessel Nijman also failed to progress, falling 6–2 to world No. 78 Darren Beveridge in the afternoon session.
By contrast, Kim Huybrechts kept Belgian hopes alive. The experienced player secured a convincing 6–2 win over Andreas Hyllgaardhus, booking his place in the last 32, where he will face former world champion Peter Wright.
What’s Next?
The action continues on Friday evening, with Jermaine Wattimena, Raymond van Barneveld, Richard Veenstra, and Gian van Veen all competing for a place in the next round.
Top seeds Michael van Gerwen and Danny Noppert will enter the competition in round two. Van Gerwen will face the winner of Matthew Dennant vs. Andrew Gilding, while Noppert awaits the victor of Ryan Searle vs. Robert Owen.
The tournament carries a £175,000 prize fund, with £30,000 reserved for the champion. Last year, Van Gerwen claimed the title after edging fellow Dutchman Gian van Veen 8–7 in a thrilling all-Dutch final.
This year, stars such as Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price, and Luke Littler will be determined to prevent another Netherlands-dominated showdown.