Overview

• De Decker opened his title defense in Leicester with a 2-1 win over Peter Wright to reach the last 16.
• He said online harassment from Belgian supporters led him to stop seeking national approval, declaring he now plays for himself.
• De Decker reported messages wishing him dead or hoping he would contract a severe disease following the World Cup loss.
• The backlash began after Belgium’s group-stage defeat to the Philippines pair Lourence Ilagan and Paolo Nebrida in Frankfurt, and he has previously shared screenshots of abusive messages.
• He next faces Luke Littler in the last 16 on Thursday after acknowledging heavy nerves from the pressure of defending his title.