Philippines Stun Belgium to Reach Knockout Stage at World Cup of Darts

The Philippines pulled off one of the biggest surprises on Day Two of the BetVictor World Cup of Darts, eliminating previous finalists Belgium to secure their spot in the knockout rounds.

Lourence Ilagan and Paolo Nebrida found themselves trailing 3-0 in a do-or-die Group B clash against Mike De Decker and Dimitri Van den Bergh. However, the Filipino duo mounted a remarkable comeback, winning four consecutive legs to claim a dramatic victory.

Belgium squandered seven match darts during the tense finish, while Nebrida impressively hit all four of the Philippines’ finishing doubles, marking Belgium’s earliest-ever exit from the competition.

“We’re over the moon with this result,” said Ilagan, whose team also recorded a 4-2 win over Latvia earlier in the group stage. “Facing players of their caliber is always tough, but we focused on our own game and supported each other.”

It was a landmark day for Asian nations in Frankfurt, with Malaysia and Hong Kong also advancing to the last 16 as the group stage concluded in thrilling fashion.

Malaysia joined the Philippines in making history by progressing from Group F after Tengku Shah and Tan Jenn Ming secured a commanding 4-1 win against Denmark.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Man Lok Leung and Lok Yin Lee dominated Bahrain in a whitewash victory, following their 4-1 rout of the United States on opening night.

Top contenders also lived up to expectations during the extended session at the Eissporthalle. The Netherlands, Australia, and host nation Germany all advanced with dominant displays.

Dutch pair Danny Noppert and Gian van Veen breezed through Group A, not dropping a single leg and dismantling Hungary to keep their bid for a fifth World Cup title alive.

Australia’s Damon Heta and Simon Whitlock showed their pedigree, defeating Austria 4-1 after Heta posted an impressive 114 average against Spain earlier in the day.

Germany’s Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko made light work of Singapore, claiming four straight legs to move into the knockout phase. Veteran Paul Lim, now 71, had earlier helped Singapore edge past Portugal alongside newcomer Phuay Wei Tan.

Elsewhere, Ireland narrowly squeezed into the last 16 despite a 4-2 defeat to China. All three teams in Group D—China, Ireland, and Gibraltar—finished tied on points and leg difference, with Ireland progressing by the narrowest of margins.

Other notable stories included South Africa’s shock advancement at the expense of Poland. Cameron Carolissen and Devon Petersen overpowered Norway 4-1, and Norway’s subsequent win over Poland allowed the South Africans to qualify.

Tournament debutants Argentina made a statement by edging New Zealand in a final-leg decider to secure their passage to the second round.

In Group G, Sweden advanced despite a 4-3 defeat to France. Missed chances by France proved costly, especially after their earlier loss to Lithuania.

Switzerland also qualified in dramatic fashion, bouncing back from a narrow loss to Croatia by defeating Japan 4-1 and topping Group K on leg difference.

Czechia continued their impressive run with back-to-back 4-2 wins over Chinese Taipei and India, sealing first place in Group J for a second consecutive year.

Philippines Stun Belgium to Reach Knockout Stage at World Cup of Darts

Round of 16 Draw Unveiled

With group play concluded, the draw for the last 16 has set the stage for some high-stakes matchups. Reigning champions England—featuring Luke Humphries and rising star Luke Littler—will take on host nation Germany in a much-anticipated showdown.

Scotland, twice champions, face a tough test against the Netherlands, while Wales begin their quest for a third title against the in-form Philippines.

Northern Ireland meet South Africa, Australia take on Argentina, and former finalists Ireland square off with Switzerland. The remaining ties see Hong Kong clash with Sweden, and Malaysia battle Czechia.

The action continues on Saturday with the second round, followed by Sunday’s double session featuring the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final, as eight nations remain in the hunt for the prestigious title at Frankfurt’s Eissporthalle.

2025 BetVictor World Cup of Darts

Friday June 13

Afternoon Session

Second Group Matches (Thursday’s Losing Team v Nation 3)

Lithuania 4-3 France (G)

Chinese Taipei 4-2 India (J)

Croatia 4-3 Switzerland (K)

Gibraltar 4-2 China (D)

Denmark 4-1 Canada (F)

USA 4-1 Bahrain (I)

South Africa 4-1 Norway (E)

Philippines 4-2 Latvia (B)

Italy 4-0 Hungary (A)

Singapore 4-2 Portugal (C)

Australia 4-0 Spain (H)

Argentina 4-1 Finland (L)

Evening Session

Third Group Matches (Thursday’s Winning Team v Nation 3)

France 4-3 Sweden (G)

Czechia 4-2 India (J)

Switzerland 4-1 Japan (K)

China 4-2 Republic of Ireland (D)

Malaysia 4-1 Denmark (F)

Hong Kong 4-0 Bahrain (I)

Norway 4-2 Poland (E)

Philippines 4-3 Belgium (B)

Netherlands 4-0 Hungary (A)

Germany 4-0 Singapore (C)

Australia 4-1 Austria (H)

Argentina 4-3 New Zealand (L)

Saturday June 14

Afternoon Session (1300 local time)

Second Round x4

Malaysia v Czechia

Hong Kong v Sweden

Switzerland v Republic of Ireland

Northern Ireland v South Africa

Evening Session (1900 local time)

Second Round x4

Wales v Philippines

Scotland v Netherlands

England v Germany

Argentina v Australia