The darts community is buzzing with excitement as former PDC star Benito van de Pas, affectionately known as ‘Big Ben’, has been spotted back on the oche at recent local and national events. After a period away from the professional spotlight, where he battled health issues and a loss of motivation, his appearances at the prestigious Oranjebar tournament and NDB Ranking events suggest a potential return to competitive darts. This article delves into Big Ben’s journey, his reasons for stepping back, and what these recent sightings could mean for his future in the sport.
The Curious Case of ‘Big Ben’
For many darts fans, the name Benito van de Pas conjures images of a formidable talent, a rising star who once regularly graced the biggest stages in professional darts. Hailing from Tilburg, Netherlands, van de Pas, nicknamed “Big Ben” for his imposing stature and steady presence, carved out a significant career in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC).
A Glimpse at Past Glory
Benito’s career trajectory saw him rise rapidly through the ranks. His peak years were marked by consistent performances and deep runs in major tournaments. He was known for his smooth throwing action and ability to hit big scores. Key highlights from his career include:
- Regularly competing in the PDC World Darts Championship.
- Reaching the quarter-finals of multiple major PDC events, including the UK Open and the World Grand Prix.
- Climbing into the top 20 of the PDC Order of Merit, a significant achievement in the highly competitive professional darts circuit.
- Securing several Players Championship titles, demonstrating his capability to win against the world’s best.
His presence at televised events was a given, and he was considered a strong contender in many tournaments.
The Retreat from the Spotlight
However, after a period of consistent success, ‘Big Ben’ seemed to fade from the professional scene. His performances dipped, and he gradually fell down the rankings. The reasons for this retreat were more complex than just a simple loss of form.
Benito openly discussed battling health issues, which significantly impacted his ability to perform at the elite level. Compounded by a clear decline in motivation, the pressure of professional darts became overwhelming. The relentless travel, the intense practice regimen, and the constant demand for peak performance took their toll. Eventually, he made the difficult decision to step away from the PDC tour, allowing himself time to recover and reassess his passion for the game.
The Whisper of a Comeback: Oranjebar and NDB Ranking
Fast forward to recent weeks, and the darts world has seen an intriguing development: Benito van de Pas has been spotted competing again, not on the grand stages of the PDC, but at more local and national levels.
- Oranjebar Darts Tournament: This is a highly regarded open tournament in the Netherlands, known for attracting both amateur talents and former professionals. It’s a significant event for local players and a good gauge of form.
- NDB Ranking Events: The Nederlandse Darts Bond (Dutch Darts Federation) organises a national ranking circuit. These events are crucial for Dutch players looking to build their ranking within the country and often serve as a stepping stone or a testing ground for those with professional aspirations.
His participation in these events is more than just a casual throw. It signals a deliberate choice to re-engage with competitive darts. While these are not PDC tour events, they represent a solid level of competition and allow players to test their skills without the intense pressure and travel demands of the international circuit.
What Does This Mean for Big Ben’s Future?
The big question on everyone’s lips is: Is this the beginning of a full-fledged comeback for Benito van de Pas?
Several possibilities emerge:
- Testing the Waters: He might simply be enjoying the game again, testing his form, and seeing if the fire for competition still burns brightly. It’s a low-pressure environment to rediscover his rhythm.
- Gradual Return: A full return to the PDC circuit requires immense dedication, financial investment, and a significant improvement in form. Competing at the Oranjebar and NDB events could be the first step in a carefully planned, gradual return to higher levels of competition.
- Renewed Motivation: His time away may have reignited his passion for darts. With health concerns potentially managed and the mental break achieved, ‘Big Ben’ might be feeling refreshed and ready to challenge himself once more.
Regardless of his ultimate goal, Benito van de Pas’s return to the oche is fantastic news for darts fans. His talent is undeniable, and a motivated ‘Big Ben’ is a thrilling prospect for the sport. The darts community will be watching closely to see if these local appearances are indeed the prelude to a major comeback from one of the Netherlands’ most beloved darting figures.
Source: Based on an article from News – Dartfreakz.nl.
