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KIM HUYBRECHTS has shared how being ostracized by fellow players on the PDC tour severely impacted his confidence and “broke” his game.
‘The Hurricane’ was once a prominent figure in the sport — a European Tour champion, a Premier League player, and a runner-up in the Players Championship Finals.
Kim Huybrechts has his confidence shattered
However, the Belgian star acknowledges that the cold reception from competitors left an enduring impact during the peak of his career.
He told Juicy Darts : “In my early days, I was seen as the ‘bad guy’, and it worked. I celebrated passionately and played with intensity.
“But during my time in the Premier League, I felt a sense of hostility. Some players wouldn’t even greet me. That changed me. I wanted to be accepted, and it shattered my game.
“The criticism I faced affected my confidence. Those celebrations stemmed from genuine emotion, not arrogance. It was my way of expressing: yes, I’ve won this leg!”
His time at the top level declined following a family loss, causing the 39-year-old’s performance to drop and leading him to fall outside the top 32 in the Order of Merit.
He mentions he is diligently working on and off the oche to restore both his ranking and self-belief, stating: “That was an incredibly challenging period.
“I’m someone who thrives on winning, and that loss impacted me deeply.
“I’m actively trying to lose some weight through walking and training with Erik Clarys. I believe my current level is somewhere between 40th and 50th in the world.
“I’m not playing poorly, but I tend to miss critical doubles when it matters most. It’s a mental game.
“Nowadays, you need to average 95 just to secure a win on the Pro Tour. A single bad dart can make all the difference.
“When I see promotional videos for the European Tour, I often find that I’m not included.
“That’s alright, but it demonstrates how quickly people forget you when you’re not reaching finals anymore.
“I used to be everywhere, and now I’m not. That motivates me to fight my way back.”
The World No.29 has faced a tough season this year, having failed to reach a quarter-final in both the Pro Tour and Euro Tour.
Huybrechts’ notable performances this year include advancing to the last 16 at Players Championship Two and the third round of the Hungarian Trophy.
The former Grand Slam semi-finalist believes a shift in mindset is essential for achieving future success on the big stage.
He said: “Back in the day, I feared no one. Whether it was Gary Anderson or anyone else, I thought: I’m going to defeat you.
“Now, at times, I think: oh, he’s performing well or is highly ranked. That needs to change. I’m working to become more of a predator again, not a victim.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What challenges has Kim Huybrechts faced in his career?
Kim Huybrechts faced challenges such as being ostracized by fellow players, which affected his confidence and performance. Additionally, a family bereavement contributed to a decline in his form.
How is Huybrechts working to improve his game?
Huybrechts is focusing on rebuilding his ranking and confidence by working hard on and off the oche, losing weight through walking, and training with Erik Clarys.
What mindset change does Huybrechts believe is necessary for success?
Huybrechts believes he needs to shift his mindset from seeing himself as a victim to becoming more aggressive and confident, akin to his earlier days when he feared no one.
