Kim Huybrechts has hit out at World Darts Championship organisers days before the main event of the season kicks off, claiming it’s ‘outrageous’ that a player must take to the oche twice on the opening night. The Hurricane has blasted the tradition, which sees the winner of the tournament’s opening match face the reigning champion later in the night, as unfair.
On Sunday, the excitement in north London will be rife when France’s Thibault Tricole faces Joe Comito of Australia to launch the Alexandra Palace action.
The winner of the clash will return to the illustrious stage hours later to meet last year’s champion and world No. 1, Luke Humphries, in the evening session.
Huybrechts kicks off his campaign on the same night after being pitted against 22-year-old Irishman Keane Barry in the first round.
Should The Hurricane overcome Barry, a glamorous second-round meeting with Gerwyn Price awaits the following day.
But he has taken time to call out Tricole and Comito’s unfortunate placing in the draw during the build-up to the showcase event.
“I think it’s outrageous that they are doing this. Really outrageous, I don’t think that’s acceptable,” Huybrechts told the Double Top podcast.
“It has happened once so far that the reigning world champion was straight out, and that was John Part.
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
