ZONNEVELD SHARES ISSUE WITH DUTCH DARTS DOMINANCE

NIELS ZONNEVELD joked it was ‘not really good’ to see Dutch darts so strong after missing out on the World Cup.

Triple Z has enjoyed a brilliant campaign on the circuit, reaching the semi-finals of the European Darts Trophy and the Belgium Darts Open. 

The 27-year-old is also the only player to beat Luke Littler in a ranking event this year. 

But Zonneveld faces an almost impossible task to represent his country on the big stage with the likes of Michael van Gerwen, Gian van Veen, Danny Noppert and Wessel Nijman all being inside the top 16. 

Zonneveld admits it is challenging being part of the new generation of rising stars from Holland. 

He said: “Not really good because I have no chance to play the World Cup! No, but of course Dutch darts is in a really good place at the moment.  

“I think we could maybe have nine or 10 players in the top 32 next year. It’s really good for our country.  

“We’re a really small country, so to have darts in that kind of place is brilliant, I think.” 

The world No.36 added that one of his biggest ambitions would be to play for the Netherlands alongside close friend Nijman. 

He added: “Especially if I can play it with Wessel, yes.  

“We’ve been neighbours since he was born, so if one day I can play the World Cup with Wessel, that would be great.” 

Zonneveld also opened up on the superb form that has pushed him towards the brink of the world’s top 32. 

He continued: “At home everything is good at the moment and I think that gives some rest. I’ve practised a lot at home as well.

“I don’t know exactly what it is, but maybe everything is falling together right now and I think that’s coming out in my performances.

“My main goal is getting into the top 32. 

“I think I have a really good chance, and then we’ll see further after that. 

“I’m just focused on reaching the top 32 for the first time in my career, so let’s do that first and then look at the other goals.” 

Zonneveld praised the work of the Dutch Darts Federation for helping produce the country’s latest wave of talent. 

He said: “I really don’t know. I think the Dutch Darts Federation has done a really good job organising tournaments, investing in youth and developing young players.

“I think we’re seeing the results of that now because Kevin, Wessel, me and Gian are all young guys. 

“I think the work the NDB has put in over the last 20 years is showing now. 

“If you can have five, six, maybe even seven, eight or nine Dutch players in the top 32, then for our country that’s brilliant.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.