Zonneveld's first PDC title "dream win" on home soil

NIELS ZONNEVELD admitted it was a “dream” as he picked up his first European title on home soil.

Triple Z beat Danny Noppert 8-5 in the Dutch Darts Championship final in Maastricht to pick up the £35,000 top prize.

Dutch ace Zonneveld, 28, has hit top form this year including beating Luke Littler in the Belgian Open back in late March. At that time he was the first player to beat The Nuke in a ranking event in 2026.

The former accountant beat Gerwyn Price, Wessel Nijman and Stephen Bunting on the way to the title and he’s also booked his debut appearance at the Grand Slam next month.

He admitted: “It’s like I’m in a dream at this moment. I can’t believe it. I have to enjoy this moment.

“I think the final was not that good. We have a long day behind us. All respect to Danny, he always performed well. Top 10 of the world, I think he’ll win many more.”

In a see-saw affair, Noppert led 2-0 but Zonneveld fought back to lead 5-2. Noppert narrowed the deficit to 5-4 but a huge 157 finish from Zonneveld gave him control of the clash.

On that being the crucial shot, he said: “I think so. It was a really important shot. I was getting nervous because it was my first final. I can’t blame myself. What can I say, it’s fantastic.”

Noppert has now lost five Euro finals and admitted: “He’s a deserving winner.

“I had a chance to take a first European title but he deserved it. My final was not great. I was searching all the time.

“Of course I always have positive feelings. If you don’t have, you don’t do. I always believe in myself, always trust myself.”