Wattimena’s Darts Masterclass: Stunning Comebacks and a Third Ranking Title!
Jermaine Wattimena has clinched his third professional darts ranking title at Players Championship 27 in Leicester, triumphing over fellow Dutchman Kevin Doets in a thrilling final. His path to victory included a sensational win against world number one Luke Littler and a series of dramatic comebacks, showcasing incredible composure and high-scoring finishes. This victory sees Wattimena climb back into the world’s top 16.
Wattimena’s Triumphant Journey to the Crown
The Mattioli Arena in Leicester witnessed a spectacular display of darts as Jermaine Wattimena secured the Players Championship 27 title, adding a third PDC ranking trophy to his collection. The Dutchman overcame a spirited challenge from his compatriot Kevin Doets in an all-Dutch final, ultimately claiming the impressive £15,000 top prize.
Wattimena’s run to the title was far from straightforward, marked by remarkable resilience and clutch performances. A significant highlight was his victory over darts sensation and world number one, Luke Littler, a match that undoubtedly boosted his confidence and set the tone for his championship charge.
Road to Glory: Key Victories and Incredible Finishes
Wattimena’s journey through the tournament was a testament to his skill and determination. He navigated a challenging field, defeating several strong opponents:
- He began his campaign by overcoming Stephen Rosney and Martin Lukeman.
- A tight encounter saw him edge past Daryl Gurney to continue his progress.
- In a standout performance, Wattimena defeated Carl Sneyd with a 102 average.
- The quarter-final clash against Luke Littler was a true thriller. Wattimena secured victory in a last-leg decider with a stunning 115 checkout on tops, sending shockwaves through the tournament.
- His semi-final against Luke Woodhouse was perhaps the most dramatic. Trailing 4-1 down, Wattimena unleashed an astonishing comeback, reeling off six straight legs. This comeback was powered by an incredible flurry of five ton-plus finishes (136, 135, 115, 127, and 128 outshots).
In the final against Kevin Doets, Wattimena initially dominated, establishing a commanding 6-2 lead by winning six consecutive legs. Doets, however, mounted a fierce comeback, narrowing the gap by winning four of the next five legs. But Wattimena held his nerve, sealing the victory with a brilliant 11-darter, ensuring his return to the winner’s circle.
Wattimena’s Reaction and Future Ambitions
Reflecting on his win, Wattimena acknowledged the challenges he faced: “I played really well today, but I think some games I made difficult for myself,” he conceded. The victory is particularly significant as it sees him reclaim a coveted spot in the world’s top 16, replacing Ross Smith.
The Dutchman, a former European Championship runner-up, feels the growing pressure but embraces it: “There’s more expectation now because you know you can win some ProTours. I just made a European Tour final against [Krzysztof] Ratajski, so hopefully I’m getting there.” He also credited his new darts and recent practice: “I’ve been to America on holiday but I played a lot of darts there, and this was my first ProTour with my new darts from Winmau, so I’m very happy!”
His landmark victory over Luke Littler was a major talking point and a significant confidence booster. “I always play really well against Luke to be honest,” Wattimena stated. “Even when I lose I play well, and that 115 finish against Luke gave me big confidence.” He added, “I didn’t realise I hit five ton-plus finishes in the semi-final because you’re busy with the game, but I’m very happy with this win.”
Doets and Other Standout Performances
While Wattimena took the glory, Kevin Doets also had an impressive run, reaching his third ranking final of the campaign. Despite not being at his absolute best in the final, Doets secured notable victories against top players like Rob Cross, Cameron Menzies, and top seed Wessel Nijman.
Other strong performances included:
- Wessel Nijman: A six-time Players Championship winner, Nijman showcased his form with an almost 110 average in his last 16 demolition of Bradley Brooks, and over 102 average in his quarter-final win against Kim Huybrechts.
- Luke Woodhouse: Reached the semi-finals, defeating Dirk van Duijvenbode in a last-leg thriller and averaging over 101 in his quarter-final victory over Mickey Mansell.
- Mickey Mansell, Cameron Menzies, Kim Huybrechts, and Luke Littler all made it to the last eight, demonstrating the high level of competition.
The Race for Qualification Heats Up
The Players Championship events are crucial for qualification to major tournaments. Luke Littler’s return to Players Championship action was highly anticipated. The 19-year-old is actively pursuing qualification for November’s Players Championship Finals. He currently finds himself £22,250 adrift of the cut-off, with seven events remaining to bridge that gap. Littler had a strong start to the tournament, sweeping aside Archie Self, Arno Merk, and William O’Connor, and whitewashing Chris Dobey in the last 16 before his challenge was ended by Wattimena.
High-Profile Exits and Perfect Darts
The tournament also saw some surprising early exits from top players. Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen both returned to competitive action but were knocked out in the first round by Cam Crabtree and Nick Kenny, respectively. Nathan Aspinall, another high-profile name, made headlines by hitting a perfect nine-dart finish during his opening round tie against Thibault Tricole, though he eventually succumbed to Mickey Mansell in round three.
The PDC ProTour season continues with Players Championship 28, further intensifying the race to qualify for prestigious events like the BOYLE Sports World Grand Prix and the Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
