WATTIMENA’S TRIBUTE SHIRT ENDS EURO TOUR HOODOO
22/06/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
JERMAINE WATTIMENA swapped blue for an Ambon-inspired shirt and finally broke his European Tour hoodoo.
The Dutchman unveiled a striking red top with blue sleeves and white-and-green stripes before ending a run of eight European Tour events without reaching a quarter-final.
The Machine Gun’s new-look outfit appeared to bring him luck at the inaugural Slovak Open, where he beat Dave Chisnall and Danny Noppert to seal his place in the last eight for the first time this year.
Wattimena revealed the special design pays tribute to an Indonesian island from which part of his family originates.
He said: “There’s a small island in Indonesia called Ambon and that is why I am half and half.
“So, this is where I come from.”
World No17 Wattimena’s run in Bratislava was therefore a welcome reward after several difficult months searching for his best game.
He added: “I am through to the quarter-finals for the first time this year, finally I am here.
“The last three months I have been fighting really hard with myself. If I find myself that is really good.
“If I don’t then I will have to continue to fight more than ever. But I will come back and I will achieve what my level is.”
Wattimena has enjoyed greater success on the ProTour this season, reaching the finals of Players Championship 12 and 17.
The 38-year-old will hope to carry that momentum into the major events, having won just two matches on the televised stage this season, both during his run to the third round of the World Championship.
