WATTIMENA CREDITS SCOT FOR CAREER REVIVAL

JERMAINE WATTIMENA admits a Scot has helped his recent revival which puts him in line to bust a Gary Anderson jinx and smash through a glass ceiling.

The Dutch star is getting back to his best after a difficult period in his career and has burst back into the World’s Top 20.

Wattimena struggled for a spell after losing weight and form, but his resurgence has been impressive with two Pro Tour wins and a semi-final appearance at the Players Championship.

The 37-year-old has had plenty of support during his comeback run with Rob Cross and Scott Williams good pals.

Wattimena has spoken of the backing he got from Cross and, having beaten Williams in the previous round, the Netherlands ace says the pair’s Tartan manager Rab Bain has also been an important source of support.

He said: “Scott and me, we are friends. I know his manager Rab Bain. Even he was helping me in a bad time, so I’m thankful for that.

“I’m really confident at the moment. Semi-final on a big stage, at a major. Again, the European Championship final [in 2024]. Then you know you’re a really good outsider, to be honest.

“I think it’s definitely my best year ever. Could be a bit better, but it’s a matter of taking it one match at a time. I’m not really focused on the rankings.”

Wattimena has found the perfect balance now with his fitness as the 37-year-old explained: “Look, I just think it’s a normal period, honestly. If you don’t do anything, you’ll find something. That’s when I started working out. Then in less than five months, I lost 3,30 kilos. That’s just way too fast at that point and then your balance is a bit different.

“That’s what you’re looking for. And now I’ve regained some of my weight I’ve lost, I feel that better now. My balance is better.

“Everything I’m doing is better for me now, so to speak. I have a really good personal trainer. I have two, actually. They keep me going really well.

“I’m happy with them. They certainly make sure I don’t go too fast. But I’m also building up my fitness. I’ll definitely do some running. Trying to get a little more fit. But I’m definitely very happy with what they’re doing for me. I’m very grateful for that. They also indicate what I need to do at that moment.”

Coming through the Williams test was impressive and his next opponent Anderson has spoken warmly about the work of Wattimena.

The Dutch star said: “Of course, I’m very happy. It’s always a difficult game against him. He’s a special character on stage. I think when we play each other, he knows what he can, what I can and I’m more than happy that I got over the line in the last set. I think the last set was really good for me as well.

“I started really well in the first leg and then the 90 on the ball. That was, I think, the key moment. And I got the pressure on him. When he missed, I thought, this is a chance to win the game and then the emotion was coming out.”

Wattimena has never been beyond the last 32 at Ally Pally and he’s lost six out of six against Anderson, including one here seven years ago, but he’s on the brink and added: “Hopefully, I will do. I can do.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.