NIJMAN CHARGES TO PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP EIGHT CROWN

WESSEL NIJMAN admits his childhood dream is now a reality after picking up the Players Championship Eight crown.

The Dutchman clinched his THIRD title of the campaign, pocketing the £15,000 top prize after defeating Joe Cullen 8-4 in the final.

World No.20 Nijman edged past fellow Dutchman Kevin Doets 7-6 in a thrilling semi-final.

The 25-year-old slinger had earlier produced a stunning comeback in the quarter-finals, battling back from 4-1 down to reel off five consecutive legs and knock out Dave Chisnall.

Nijman reveals being the highest-ranked player on the floor was a real pinch-me moment and believes that confidence is driving his success.

He said: “This week was the first time I was seeded No.1, so that was special for me, to be honest. With the way I am playing now on the floor events, I am pretty confident starting these events.

“That is helping quite a lot. That gives me a lot of confidence because if you told me that two years ago, I would have said you are crazy.

“It’s given me more of a boost than pressure. I think that is a good thing.

“In the game against Kevin, maybe I didn’t deserve to win that one because he missed two match darts, but I am happy I got that one over the line.

“Chizzy pushed me to a good match as well. It was break after break, but I am so happy I came away with the win.

“It does get easier playing these events when you know you are in the big events. I am just happy with the way I am playing right now and the confidence.

“It is more like I am living the dream life I wanted ten years ago.”

Elsewhere, Michael van Gerwen crashed out in the third round after a 6-2 defeat to a rampant Mervyn King, who fired in a stunning 101.78 average.

Stephen Bunting was also sent packing, edged out 6-4 by Charlie Manby in the quarter-finals.

Dimitri Van den Bergh’s struggles continued as he slumped to a SEVENTH straight first-round exit on the ProTour, losing 6-4 to Daryll Pilgrim.

Women’s world No.1 Beau Greaves and veteran Gary Anderson were both dumped out in the first round, beaten by Danny Noppert and Manby respectively.

Image by Taylor Lanning.