Dutch darts sensation Jimmy Van Schie, the reigning Lakeside champion, has secured his PDC Tour Card, making him the latest WDF star to leap into the sport’s biggest arena. This move sparks huge excitement but also raises questions, as past champions have met with varying degrees of success – from the meteoric rise of Stephen Bunting and Glen Durrant to the initial struggles of Andy Baetens. Van Schie’s unique style and pressure-proof game will soon face the ultimate test, with his highly anticipated PDC debut just around the corner.
The Lakeside Champion’s Leap: A New Era for Jimmy Van Schie
The darts world is buzzing with the news: Jimmy Van Schie, the current Lakeside World Champion, has successfully navigated PDC Q-School to earn his coveted Tour Card. This marks a significant moment, as he becomes the third reigning Lakeside champion to make the direct switch to the Professional Darts Corporation, following in the footsteps of ‘The Bullet’ Stephen Bunting and Glen ‘Duzza’ Durrant.
At 32 years old, the Dutch powerhouse from Breda stands an imposing 6-foot-7-inches tall. His unique throwing style involves a distinct crouch and a significant lean towards the board, a technique that has garnered both attention and discussion among darts pundits. Van Schie consistently delivers low to mid-90s averages, with a personal best of 112.16 recorded at the 2024 World Open, and even a prestigious 9-darter to his name.
His triumph at Lakeside in December was nothing short of spectacular. After falling three sets behind against the 15-year-old crowd favourite Mitchell Lawrie, Van Schie demonstrated incredible composure and fighting spirit, reeling off six consecutive sets to clinch the title. During that dramatic final, he also came within a whisker of a 9-darter, hitting eight perfect darts, proving his ability to perform under immense pressure on the biggest stage.
Following Giants? The Path of Previous Lakeside Kings in the PDC
Van Schie is not the first Lakeside champion to make the bold transition to the PDC. Many former titleholders have crossed over, with varied outcomes. The increasing gap in standard between the WDF and PDC circuits means this switch is more challenging than ever before.
Here’s a look at how some notable Lakeside champions have fared in the PDC:
- Stephen Bunting: ‘The Bullet’ has enjoyed an outstanding PDC career, currently ranked World Number 7. He’s a regular in the Premier League and recently secured his first PDC major title, the World Masters in 2024, defeating Michael van Gerwen in the final. His journey to a major win took ten years, highlighting the depth of competition.
- Glen Durrant: A three-time consecutive Lakeside champion (2017-2019), ‘Duzza’ made an immediate impact in the PDC. He didn’t have to wait long for a major title, winning the prestigious Premier League just one year after switching, beating Nathan Aspinall in the final.
- Other Successful Transitions: Legends like Raymond van Barneveld and John Part (who went on to win the PDC World Championship) also made the switch and achieved significant success. Other notable names include Steve Beaton, Mark Webster, Jelle Klaasen, Scott Waites, and Ted Hankey.
- Recent Challenges: Not every transition is seamless. Belgian player Andy Baetens, who won his tour card after the 2023 Lakeside title, has openly struggled to adapt to the PDC circuit so far. It’s still early in his career, but his experience underscores the difficulty of the leap. Irishman Shane McGuirk, who also recently gained a Tour Card, will face similar tests.
Jimmy Van Schie’s Unique Game: Can it Translate?
Van Schie’s ability to “step up” his game depending on the quality of his opponent is a promising sign. Now, playing against the world’s elite on a regular basis, there’s a strong belief he could rapidly elevate his average scores, potentially hitting ton-plus averages consistently. His love for playing in front of crowds, vividly displayed at Lakeside, suggests he thrives in high-pressure environments.
The question on everyone’s lips is: will Van Schie be able to maintain his composure and consistent scoring against the relentless pressure of the PDC tour? His performance in the Lakeside final, where he mounted an epic comeback and almost hit a 9-darter, certainly indicates he has the mental fortitude required.
The Road Ahead: Debut and Expectations
The darts community eagerly awaits Jimmy Van Schie’s PDC debut. He, along with other non-qualified Tour Card holders, will first compete in the preliminary rounds of the Winmau World Masters on January 28th in Milton Keynes. This event will provide his first taste of competitive action against established PDC opposition, as he battles for one of eight spots in the main tournament starting the following day.
It will be fascinating to observe how Van Schie, and indeed Shane McGuirk, navigate this crucial transition. Will Van Schie ride the momentum of his Lakeside triumph and challenge immediately like Glen Durrant, or will he face an initial period of adaptation similar to Andy Baetens? Regardless, he is a fantastic addition to the tour, bringing excitement and a unique playing style that promises to captivate fans. We’ll be closely following his progress as he embarks on this thrilling new chapter.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
