Belgian darts professional Mike De Decker has revealed that he was targeted with death threats and abhorrent messages from supporters in his homeland following Belgium's early elimination from the World Cup of Darts in June.
The 29-year-old made the revelations after successfully defending his World Grand Prix crown with a 2-1 triumph against Peter Wright in Leicester on Tuesday evening.
During an emotional post-match press conference, the world No20 declared that the shocking harassment has fundamentally altered his perspective on representing his nation.
"I'm not playing for my country, I'm playing for myself," De Decker stated emphatically.
Belgian darts professional Mike De Decker has revealed that he was targeted with death threats and abhorrent messages from supporters in his homeland following Belgium's early elimination from the World Cup of Darts in June
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The abuse emerged after De Decker and teammate Dimitri Van den Bergh fell to Philippines pair Lourence Ilagan and Paolo Nebrida in a crucial group match at the Frankfurt tournament.
"After we lost in the World Cup, we lost in the group stages and the abuse and the hate I got from losing that made me realise that I'm not playing for my country, I'm playing for myself," he told reporters.
"The abuse I got people wishing me to die or get an awful disease," De Decker revealed. "It's just been ridiculous and it's not only me, everyone gets it."
The Belgian revealed he had received death threats from his own fans
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"From Belgium and from people that I see every week. When you lose a game, they will bury you," he explained.
“When you win, they’re all smiles when you lose, they bury you. That changed me.
“A few months ago, I shared screenshots of messages I got after losing a first-round match on the ProTour.
“People were wishing me dead or hoping I’d get some awful disease. It’s ridiculous. And it’s not just me every player gets it.
“That’s why now, I just play for myself. I don’t care about being Belgium’s No1 anymore.
De Decker's comments came after he overcame a nervous beginning to defeat two-time world champion Wright at the Mattioli Arena.
Mike De Decker roared with emotion after his victory over Peter Wright in the World Grand Prix
|SKY SPORTS
The defending champion admitted experiencing significant pre-match anxiety, arriving at the venue five hours early to prepare.
"I felt the pressure of defending my title - that's new for me, and honestly, I was really nervous," he acknowledged.
Despite now holding Belgium's highest ranking following Van den Bergh's slide to 21st position, De Decker expressed complete indifference to the achievement.
Looking ahead, the Leicester champion faces a formidable challenge against Luke Littler in Thursday's last-16 encounter.
After witnessing Littler's performance, De Decker offered a candid assessment: "I just hope he doesn't play like that against me. Because when he's at that level, it's hard for anyone to beat him."
The Belgian remains without a ProTour victory this season and has struggled to reach quarter-finals in ranked majors.