Dutch sensation Wessel Nijman has secured his fourth career Pro Tour title, clinching the second Players Championship of the season in a breathtaking final against former World Champion Gerwyn Price. The young talent showcased incredible composure to overcome Price, who had been in phenomenal form, even whitewashing darts legend Michael van Gerwen. This victory underscores Nijman’s burgeoning potential and marks him as a significant force in the darts world.
Nijman’s Path to Glory: A Steady Climb to the Top
Wessel Nijman’s journey through the tournament was a testament to consistent improvement and strategic play. He started with measured victories, conserving energy for later stages:
- Initially, Nijman smoothly dispatched Viktor Tingstrom and newcomer Samuel Price, winning comfortably without needing to unleash his full power.
- The gears shifted against Cor Dekker, where Nijman registered his first average over 100 for the day.
- He then secured his quarter-final spot by defeating Tommy Morris.
His most impressive performance came in the quarter-finals against Carl Sneyd, where Nijman delivered an electrifying display, averaging over 106 to dominate his opponent. With momentum firmly on his side, he then powered into the final, delivering a commanding 7-2 demolition of recent World Championship semi-finalist Ryan Searle.
Gerwyn Price’s Scorching Run: ‘The Iceman’ on Fire
On the other side of the draw, Gerwyn Price, known as ‘The Iceman’, was in devastating form, incinerating his opponents with relentless precision. His path to the final was marked by a series of high-octane performances:
- Price began by sending a clear message, whitewashing Kim Huybrechts.
- He then brushed aside both Stephen Burton and the returning Spaniard Cristo Reyes with identical 6-2 scorelines.
The Welshman then unleashed a truly turbocharged display. He ended Luke Woodhouse’s impressive run with a ferocious 111+ average. However, the most astounding moment came when Price delivered an extraordinary 117.12 average to completely whitewash Michael van Gerwen. This performance was nothing short of surreal, featuring legs completed in fifteen darts or fewer, leaving spectators in awe. After another authoritative win over the ever-dangerous Krzysztof Ratajski, it seemed inevitable that Price was destined for his twenty-second Players Championship title.
The Epic Final: Nijman Holds His Nerve in a Last-Leg Thriller
Despite Price’s seemingly unstoppable momentum, Wessel Nijman refused to be intimidated. The final transformed into a high-stakes duel of nerve and precision. Nijman consistently edged ahead, only for Price to relentlessly claw his way back, creating a gripping, back-and-forth battle.
Ultimately, everything hinged on a deciding leg, with Nijman holding the advantage of throwing first. When the pressure was at its absolute peak, the young Dutchman did not falter. He dispatched the leg in a clinical twelve darts, sealing a victory of immense substance and silencing the formidable ‘Iceman’.
Other Tournament Highlights
The tournament also saw other memorable performances:
- Tommy Morris staged a remarkable comeback, recovering from 5-1 down to defeat his idol, darts legend Gary Anderson, marking a significant milestone in his career.
- There was also a welcome strong showing for Dave Chisnall, who, after a challenging start to 2025, reached the quarter-finals before his progress was halted by the eventual semi-finalist, Ryan Searle.
Nijman’s Star Continues to Rise
In a field brimming with top-tier talent, Wessel Nijman emerged as the epitome of composure, conviction, and clinical execution. This victory is not just another title; it’s a powerful statement from a player whose star is undoubtedly on the ascent, promising many more triumphs in his increasingly impressive career.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
