'I did what I had to do' - World Darts semi-finalist, 30, retires from PDC tour

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DIMITRI VAN DEN BERGH has announced he is not returning to darts full-time.

The Belgian, 30, stepped away from the sport in April to focus on his mental health.

Van den Bergh is a member of the Belgian squad for this weekend's World Cup Darts in Germany.

Teaming up with Mike De Decker, Belgium began their campaign with a 4-1 group stage win over Latvia.

But following Thursday's victory, The Dreammaker revealed he will not return to the PDC Tour.

Van den Bergh said: "There was so much attention on me. I had talk show requests from Belgium, Germany, England, and Holland.

"Everyone wanted interviews and I just didn't feel it was the right time to talk.

"I didn't have the right perception of the whole situation. It was all too much at the time.

"I stepped back to take a few steps forward and tonight proves I'm heading in the right direction.

"This is me being back managing my career because full-time professional is just not good for my family."

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Van den Bergh indicated he will still compete in select events.

He continued: I've got a second kid coming next month.

"So me and my manager and my sponsors, we already know what's going to go down.

"It's going to be professional in a different level, but I'm ready for it."

Van den Bergh received his PDC Tour Card in 2015.

The 30-year-old is currently the World No. 22, with his highest ranking No. 5 in 2021.

A World Championship semi-final, Dimi has previously won the UK Open and the World Matchplay, as well as three Players Championship titles.