DURRANT BELIEVES NIJMAN IS ONE STEP AWAY FROM DARTS SUPERSTARDOM

GLEN DURRANT believes nerves are the only thing standing between Wessel Nijman and darts superstardom.

The former Premier League champ believes Nijman has one of the simplest and most effective actions in the sport but must now prove he can reproduce his ProTour brilliance under the bright lights.

Nijman, 26, has climbed to second in the year-to-date standings after banking £246,000 through six Players Championship titles and two European Tour crowns.

The world No14 has struggled to transfer that dominance onto the major stage, however, failing to reach a quarter-final in any of his 16 televised ranking event appearances.

Nijman will have another opportunity to break that duck when he faces Dave Chisnall in the opening round of the World Matchplay later this week.

Durrant believes Nijman coping with the added pressure of the TV stage is the final piece of the puzzle.

He said: “He can do really well. He has moved to No14 in the world, where he is going to avoid the two Lukes in the second round as well.

“He has such a simple, effective and efficient throw. The power he generates. Now it’s about... it’s okay on the floor in a sterile environment.

“But even tonight, when I played in here with 500 people, the old nerves come. That is what Wessel will have to deal with.

“Those opening five legs, he will be nervous. It’s not as simple as when you are in Milton Keynes or in Wigan to throw the dart.

“Once he deals with that and achieves success on TV, I think the world is his oyster because his throw is so simple.

“I am excited for Nijman’s future.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning