Dimitri van den Bergh has told bet365 that toeing the oche at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden in June will fulfil a lifelong dream of his.
The supremely-talented Belgian is one of the eight PDC representatives set to feature at the 2023 staging of the bet365 US Darts Masters, where he will be hoping to reign supreme on debut.
In fact, his forthcoming appearance in the Big Apple will be the first time that the 2020 World Matchplay champion will have ever set foot in the United States, and it's an occasion he cannot wait for.
“I have watched so many movies about the USA, and now I am finally going to the USA. I am proper looking forward to it – bring it on!” van den Bergh exclusively told bet365 in the build-up to the event.
“It’s going to be awesome just to walk on American soil; there are so many things about being able to do that which are incredibly cool.
“I have always wanted to go there but I have never previously had the chance to do so, so to have the opportunity to go and play in the bet365 US Darts Masters was an absolute no brainer for me.
“I want to get over there now, have a great time and experience it all. Obviously my goal is to be a winner over there straight away; that would be even better!”
Michael Smith’s triumph in New York 12 months ago proved the catalyst to a remarkably successful second half of the season – one that culminated in World Championship glory.
And whilst 12/1 shot van den Bergh isn’t getting himself too carried away, he says he’d love nothing more than to emulate the St Helens’ thrower’s achievements, both across the pond and at London's Alexandra Palace.
“Where do I need to sign, I would take that straight away (winning the bet365 US Darts Masters and World Championship)," he added.
“It is definitely something that is on my mind to - for a few months at least - dominate, win titles and get my confidence sky high!"
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