Kim Huybrechts makes his return to the World Darts Championship stage this week when he faces Arno Merk in the opening round. The Belgian thrower will be hoping the Ally Pally faithful rally behind him as he graces the legendary venue, a year after suffering a horrific assault at a football match. Huybrechts needed an operation on a fractured shoulder in May last year following a cup final clash in Belgium between Royal Antwerp and Union Saint-Gilloise.
The Hurricane, who supports Antwerp, was heading home after watching his team’s 1-0 loss in the Belgian Cup at the King Baudouin Stadium in May 2024. However, the darts sensation and a companion were set upon by opposing fans whilst travelling through Brussels. According to Huybrechts’ spouse, Dana Verhaegen, his friend Kevin was struck with a motorcycle helmet whilst Huybrechts was brought down as he attempted to flee.
The 40-year-old endured punches and kicks before managing to reach the Antwerp supporters’ coaches where assistance was available.
Huybrechts was rushed to hospital where he discovered he had sustained a double fracture to his right shoulder, which was particularly concerning given it was his throwing arm.
His wife posted on social media to inform supporters, stating: “As many have already heard, things went seriously wrong today during the cup final.
“In a nutshell: Match end, Antwerp supporters walking along a path through a park in a crowd towards the buses. The line gets stuck due to the grim atmosphere.
“Kim and Kevin want to pass the line through an opening in the fence to get to the buses faster and are attacked from behind.
“Verdict: while Kim lay on the ground and took punches, he suffered a double fracture of the collarbone, unfortunately in his right arm.”
Following the incident, fans were left worrying over whether Huybrechts would be fit enough to participate in that year’s World Cup of Darts in June.
Despite the odds, the Belgian darts player made a remarkable recovery, reaching the semi-finals alongside compatriot Dimitri Van den Bergh.
Huybrechts also graced the stage at last year’s World Darts Championship, although he was knocked out in the first round by Keane Barry with a scoreline of 3-1.
Now, he is gearing up to return to the Ally Pally stage, aiming to surpass his previous best performance and reach the semi-finals.
