KLAASEN FEARS DARTS CAREER IS OVER

JELLE KLAASEN fears this could be his final year in darts as he battles an ongoing arm problem that continues to derail his career.

The former BDO world champion admitted his body is no longer allowing him to perform at the level he expects and revealed he may be forced to walk away from the sport if he cannot find a treatment that works.

The Cobra remains the youngest BDO world champion in history after winning the 2006 title at just 21 years old, beating Raymond van Barneveld 7-5 in the final. 

He later reached the semi-finals of both the PDC World Championship and UK Open in 2016 before featuring in the Premier League the following year, where he finished ninth. 

But after losing his PDC Tour Card at the end of the 2021 season, Klaasen spent two years away from the professional circuit before regaining his card at European Q-School in 2024. 

There were signs of a resurgence last year when Klaasen reached the final of Players Championship 3, eventually losing 8-4 to Chris Dobey. 

However, Klaasen has struggled badly for consistency since and now fears the end could be near.

He told Modus: “I think since 2017 it is going downhill. 

“At the time I didn’t know what was going wrong. But I think a lot of people know what is happening with Jules van Dongen. 

“It is probably the same with me. But he has got it in his hand and I have got it in my arm.” 

Klaasen admitted the physical issue has become increasingly frustrating over recent years.

He added: “It has been a struggle the last few years and this is maybe my last year. So, I am trying to enjoy it. 

“I always want to play well and it is frustrating when your body does not work the way you want it to work. 

“It doesn’t matter how many hours I practice that is not going to change the problem with my arm.” 

Klaasen also revealed he has been relying on medication to help manage the problem but worries that option may soon disappear.

He continued: “I have some medication that makes me play a little bit better. But this is the last time I can use it. 

“It’s sad for me as well. I am going to enjoy this week and hopefully in the next few months I will find a treatment that works. 

“Otherwise, it will probably be my last year.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.