Wattimena conquers his TV demons after admitting he was once "afraid" of the big stage

JERMAINE WATTIMENA reveals he was "afraid" of the big stage before finally conquering his TV demons.

The world No17 has enjoyed one of the best spells of his career over the past two seasons, becoming a regular threat on the ProTour.

Wattimena, 38, ended a run of seven European Tour quarter-final defeats this year by reaching the final of the European Darts Open, where he narrowly lost 8-6 to Krzysztof Ratajski.

He has also continued his strong floor form, winning two titles last season and reaching the finals of Players Championship 12 and Players Championship 17 this year.

That consistency has now carried over to the PDC Premier events, with Wattimena reaching the European Championship final in 2024 before making the semi-finals of the Players Championship Finals last year, where he lost 11-2 to Nathan Aspinall.

The Dutchman admits his biggest battle was not with his opponents, but with the pressure of performing under the spotlight.

Asked if he can go all the way and win a major title, he told Winmau: "It could be possible.

"I have been more comfortable on stage now for the past three or four years.

"I had problems with the pressure on my shoulders. It took a long time to get it off when I played the big TV tournaments.

"Since then, I have made the European Championship final and semi-final at the Players Championship Finals.

"It has been really good for me. It took a long time to get over it.

"I think for a few years I was a little bit afraid to come on the stage to play a game.

"Now I play better on stage because I feel better. I am more myself right now.

“Don’t be nervous before the match. Don’t be stressed. That was me a few years ago but not anymore.”

The Machine Gun wants to establish himself inside the world's top 16 before launching a push towards the top 10.

He added: “I want to first get into the top 16 for a bit of time. Then hopefully it will fire me up the rankings into the top 10.

“That is the new target for the new year. There are so many good players who can play in the top 10.

“Every tournament, you are fighting for yourself.”

Wattimena signed with Winmau after his 12-year partnership with German brand Bull's came to an end.

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning