DIMITRI VAN DEN BERGH was close to tears and a “breakdown” after flopping on home soil in the Flanders Trophy.
The UK Open champ had to be consoled by manager Mac Elkin in the post-match press conference after losing his opening clash in Antwerp.
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The Belgian, 32, lost 6-2 to Andrew Gilding in the first big tournament in his home city.
The World No10, who beat world champ Luke Humphries in a controversial UK Open final in March, said: “At the minute I’m very, very emotional.
“My manager has been with me since the start of my career and I could break down in the middle of this interview.”
“Dreammaker” Van den Bergh didn’t continue in the press conference and Elkin then carried on for him.
He said: “I’ve just spoken to Dimitri and told him that I know how hard he finds it.
“He wanted more than anything to win in Belgium generally, not just Antwerp.
“I’ve had to remind him of what he’s already done in the past.
“He’s won seven PDC titles, he’s won two majors, he’s a two time World Youth Champion.
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“But he said to me, ‘Yeah, all them finals I’ve played have been great. But I’ve never in my life felt pressure like I did going on to that stage’.
“He just wants it so much and when you want something so much but can’t have it, it really hurts.
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“I’ve seen Dimitri hurt a few times but not like this tonight. I felt that he needed my support. Everyone likes him. And he needs to know that. He wants it so much, but it’s not possible at the moment.”
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