The Belgian darts star Kim Huybrechts is set to make his return to the World Darts Championship this week, exactly one year after a traumatic incident that left him with serious injuries. He will compete against Arno Merk in the opening round of the tournament at Ally Pally.
Surgery Following a Football Assault
In May 2024, Huybrechts underwent surgery due to a double shoulder fracture. This injury resulted from an attack by football hooligans after a cup final in Belgium. The match was held between Royal Antwerp and Union Saint-Gilloise at the King Baudouin Stadium, which saw Antwerp lose 1-0.
Incident Details
- Date: May 2024
- Location: Brussels, Belgium
- Teams: Royal Antwerp vs. Union Saint-Gilloise
- Outcome: Huybrechts suffered a double shoulder fracture
- Injuries: Fracture in his right arm, which is his throwing arm
After the match, Huybrechts and a friend were attacked by rival fans while heading home. His wife, Dana Verhaegen, shared details on social media, explaining that they were ambushed while trying to navigate through a crowded area. Huybrechts was punched and kicked during the assault.
Recovery and Competition
Despite the severity of his injuries, Huybrechts made a remarkable recovery. He participated in the World Cup of Darts shortly after the incident and reached the semi-finals alongside Dimitri Van den Bergh. Later, he competed in the World Darts Championship but faced an early exit after losing to Keane Barry in the first round.
As Kim Huybrechts prepares for his upcoming match, he aims to build on his previous performances and advance past the quarter-finals in this year’s championship. His supporters at Ally Pally will undoubtedly rally behind ‘The Hurricane’ as he continues his journey in the world of darts.
