The 50th anniversary of the Dutch Open Darts delivered an unforgettable spectacle in Assen, drawing thousands to witness a week of intense competition. History was made as Germany’s Paul Krohne, just 25, became the first German ever to win the Men’s Singles title after a grueling eleven-match journey. On the women’s side, local favorite Priscilla Steenbergen claimed her first Women’s Singles crown. The tournament also saw rising star Jenson Walker ascend to the top of the WDF Open rankings, while Dutch duo Dirk van Duijvenbode and Maik Kuivenhoven dominated the Men’s Doubles. Turkish pair Zehra Gemi and Aysegul Karagoz secured the Women’s Pairs, and Paige Pauling celebrated a remarkable third consecutive Girls’ Singles title. Youth and Paradarts champions also shone brightly, confirming the Dutch Open’s status as a premier event in the darts calendar.
For half a century, the Dutch Open Darts has been more than just a tournament; it’s a colossal celebration of the sport, a vibrant carnival of arrows, ambition, and endurance. This year, thousands descended upon the north-eastern Dutch town of Assen, transforming it into a buzzing hub where darting history isn’t just recalled, but actively forged.
Men’s Singles: A Historic German Triumph
From an astounding field of over four thousand competitors, one name soared above the rest: Paul Krohne. At just 25 years old, Krohne etched his name into the record books, becoming the first German player ever to lift the Open Singles title. His path to glory was nothing short of an endurance test, surviving an almost marathon-like eleven matches.
In a nail-biting final, Krohne edged out Corne Groeneveld in a decisive last-set thriller. The match was a true test of mental fortitude, pushing both players to their absolute limits.
A unique aspect of the competition saw the format switch from straight matchplay to a set format from the semi-finals onwards. This strategic pivot did little to hinder Krohne’s unstoppable momentum. On his way to the final, he overcame the exceptionally talented Jenson Walker.
Walker’s Journey: A New Star Ascends
Though defeated by Krohne, Jenson Walker’s performance was transformative. The young player from Coventry’s deep run to the last four propelled him to the summit of the World Darts Federation (WDF) Open rankings. This is a monumental achievement for a player still at the very beginning of his professional career, signalling a bright future.
Women’s Singles: Priscilla Steenbergen Claims Her Crown
The Women’s Singles, while numerically smaller, delivered a moment of immense significance. Priscilla Steenbergen seized the title for the very first time, delighting the home crowd. She overcame Rachna David, who herself made history by becoming the first Norwegian woman to reach a Dutch Open final. This highlights the growing international reach and talent within women’s darts.
Doubles Dominance and International Flair
Beyond the individual glory, the Dutch Open featured its customary array of thrilling side events, including the popular doubles competitions.
- Men’s Doubles: The World Darts Federation (WDF) once again welcomed Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) players, an invitation enthusiastically accepted by Dirk van Duijvenbode. Partnering with Maik Kuivenhoven, the formidable Dutch duo triumphed in an all-Dutch finale, defeating Jimmy van Schie and Danny van Trijp in a match that crackled with familiar rivalry.
- Women’s Pairs: The crown travelled east, claimed by the talented Turkish duo of Zehra Gemi and Aysegul Karagoz. They denied Priscilla Steenbergen a potential double title, as she partnered with Jo Rolls in the final.
Future Stars: Youth Champions Shine Bright
The youth categories showcased the next generation of darts talent, with impressive performances across the board.
- Girls’ Singles: Paige Pauling secured an incredible third consecutive title, further solidifying her burgeoning reputation as a future star.
- Under-18s Open: Belgium celebrated as Milan Vanuytrecht emerged victorious, edging out Kai Burger in a dramatic last-leg shootout.
- Under-14s: German prospects Eric Petereit and Bruno Willi Sauer delivered a thrilling contest, with Petereit ultimately claiming the win at the wire.
Paradarts: Inspiring Excellence
Paradarts once again commanded well-deserved prominence, demonstrating skill and determination that captivated audiences.
- Wheelchair Singles: Belgian excellence prevailed in this category. While Michel van den Hengel was narrowly denied, a Belgian player ultimately secured the title, showcasing the strength of para-darts in the region.
- Standing Event: South Korean standout Kwanghee Cho dominated the Standing event, delivering a masterful performance.
- Paradarts Pairs: Kwanghee Cho then doubled up on his success, partnering with Michelovic van Velzen to claim the Pairs title.
Early Bird Victories Set the Stage
Even before the main events kicked off, the “early bird” competitions offered a taste of the action.
- Men’s Early Bird: Jimmy van Schie defeated Wesley Plaisier, providing a preview of his later doubles final appearance.
- Women’s Early Bird: Turkey’s successful weekend began with Ermine Dursun capturing the Women’s early bird title.
Another Dutch Open concluded, leaving a legacy of vast scale, thrilling chaos, relentless competition, and glorious success. Fifty years on, this iconic festival of darts shows no sign of slowing down; instead, it only grows louder, promising even more excitement in the years to come.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
