Darts stars in angry confrontation as tempers boil over after controversial gesture

Richie Edhouse and Kim Huybrechts had a frosty exchange as tempers flared during the Dutch Championship first-round match. The Belgian gave up a 3-0 lead to eventually lose 6-5 to Edhouse in Rosmalen, suffering defeat in an agonising deciding leg.

Edhouse eventually triumphed after Huybrechts had busted his score in the finale. The Englishman missed two match darts while requiring 68 and had been subjected to whistles from the crowd. He turned to the audience and mocked them back, appearing to mimic their jeers. The gesture did not go down too well with his opponent, however, who had also been booed throughout the contest.

He took extra time before his next throw at the oche, breaking his rhythm, before busting with 20 remaining.

Edhouse did not need another invitation, landing double 1 with his second dart to clinch victory and book his place in the second round.

At this point, an angry verbal exchange took place between the two players. Edhouse appeared to apologise to his opponent, though Huybrechts was not keen on taking him up on the offer.

The 39-year-old refused his handshake and a red-hot discussion took place, with both players pointing at the oche and board as they became increasingly animated.

They eventually cooled off and shook hands with each other and the referee, before more words were exchanged and Huybrechts turned his back on his opponent to cheer the rowdy crowd in Belgium.

The commentator detailed: "There's some words at the end. All sorts of silly nonsense going on there. Some posturing, some awful darts and ultimately a good one in double one sees the European champion through to round two."

Edhouse later commented: "Me and Kim, there is a lot of history. Little whistles, I done it back and Kim got the hump with it."

Edhouse booked his spot in the next round against Dave Chisnall on a day that Dirk Van Duijvenbode and Raymond Van Barneveld stole the show.

Van Duijvenbode, one of four Dutch stars to win in Rosmalen, continued his return to form with a six-leg demolition of Finland's Teemu Harju. He averaged 102.48 and nailed a sensational 164 checkout to set up a mouthwatering tie with James Wade.

Five-time world champion Van Barneveld was pushed to a decider by qualifier Jerry Hendriks, but prevailed thanks to five 180s.

The £175,000 tournament continues on Saturday, with the 16 seeds entering the fray for the second round, including reigning champion Josh Rock alongside and .