Stefan “Belli” Bellmont wants to go to the Darts World Cup: this Swiss dreams of the legendary “Ally Pally”

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Every darts player dreams of this: walking into the legendary Alexandra Palace, or ‘Ally Pally’ for short, to hear his walk-on song. Stefan Bellmont (34) hopes that the song ‘Lift U Up’ by the Swiss rock band Gotthard will be played at the World Darts Championship (from December 15).

It is the opening number of the Swiss darts player who is highest in the world rankings (place 137). “Belli”, his nickname, wants to make his dream come true by participating in the most important tournament of the year on Saturday. The Western European qualifying tournament will then take place in Kalkar (De). Blick reached the 34-year-old on Thursday, a day before departure. The mood? “I’m not nervous, I’m in a positive mood.”

The 2022 Swiss champion is very optimistic: “I wouldn’t go if I didn’t believe I could win.” But the qualification is tough: 100 players are registered, only one secures the World Cup ticket. The Zug resident also realizes this: “There are many strong names, almost all of which can win the tournament.”

“Belli” wrote Swiss darts history several times

Bellmont has already achieved some notable successes in his career. Such as the European Darts Grand Prix in Sindelfingen (De) 2019, where he was the first Swiss to participate in an event organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). In 2022, he became the first Swiss to win the PDC Challenge Tour tournament in Hildesheim (De). And this year he won a match on the European Tour for the first time.

In between, Bellmont achieved great success when he defeated five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld in 2021 as part of the qualifying school, where amateurs can qualify for the professional tour at the beginning of this year. The 56-year-old was on his way back after retiring in 2019. “I wanted to spoil it for him,” Bellmont recalled.

He still has the decisive moment clearly in mind: “I actually wanted to take a short break for the second dart on double 16, but I just threw.” It was a victory that got people talking in the Netherlands and even graced the front pages. “Barney’s” response? “He honestly shook my hand and congratulated me.”

Even professionally, everything revolves around darts

Like many other professionals, Bellmont also has a day job. Darts also determines his life there. He works 60 percent of the time in the logistics department of an online store. This allows him to train about 90 minutes a day and travel to tournaments if he qualifies.

Financially, he makes a strict separation between private and sporting affairs: “Three to four years ago I started to deposit the prize and sponsorship money into my own account and use it when I need a flight or have to pay the entry fee.” For example, he also pays the entry fee for the World Cup qualifying of 90 pounds (about 100 francs).

World Cup participation? “A dream!”

If Bellmont reaches the World Cup on his fourth attempt, he will be guaranteed 7,500 pounds (8,270 francs). “That would be a dream come true.” But he must be aware that after the first round – just like last year – it could be over. “But that is exactly what makes our sport lively.”

The “dumbest” thing that could happen would be if he scored right at the start against Marcel Walpen (47), the second Swiss in the World Cup qualifiers. “That would be very bitter. But if it happens, so be it.” Because ultimately darts is an individual sport.

Source : Blick