I’m a World Darts Championships star and walk to the oche with my lucky aubergine due to my bizarre second job
DARTS superstar Dirk van Duijvenbode is one of the sport’s most popular players.
But what makes Van Duijvenbode stand out compared to his rivals is his crazy entrances that whip the crowd into a frenzy.
Also the fact he carries an eggplant every time he walks to the oche.
That is due to his second job as the Dutchman also works as administrative assistant at the Van Onselen eggplant farm in the Netherlands.
The 31-year-old has been working at the farm since the tender age of 15 and his fixation with aubergines has earned him the nickname of “Aubergenius”.
The Titan, as he’s also known, combines his unique entrance with hardcore music, a rousing announcement and his signature arm motion.
Van Duijvenbode recently said: “I began working here at 15. I’d come before school to pick – just another – row of eggplant, then I’d end up being late for class.
“We take a professional approach to training. And I try to get the best out of it.
“The company recently automated some things, so I work fewer hours.
“Everybody should eat eggplants. It’s part of my image. Eggplants are an unfamiliar product, so all the attention might make more people aware of them.”
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However, Van Duijvenbode’s energetic entrance turned sour last May against Dylan Slevin.
The darts star was left red-faced after taking a tumble during his walk-on, despite trying to style it out.
But despite the battered and bruised ego and the injury to his leg, the World No12 still beat Slevin after a 6-5 victory.