The 2026 PDC Pro Tour season has kicked off with a bang, and Dutch darts sensation Wessel Nijman has already made his mark by winning the second event. In a thrilling final, Nijman defeated former World Champion Gerwyn Price 8-7, showcasing exceptional skill and nerve. This victory follows James Wade’s win in the opening tournament, setting a high standard for the year. The event was packed with drama, including surprising early exits for big names and incredible performances, notably Gerwyn Price’s dominant run to the final.
Tournament Highlights: Upsets and High Averages
The second Players Championship of 2026, held on Tuesday, saw its share of drama right from the start. Dutch player Christian Kist was forced to withdraw before his opening match against James Wade due to elbow issues, a disappointing start to his season.
Early Round Shocks
The Last 128 stage delivered several unexpected outcomes:
- Gian van Veen, a rising star, suffered a 6-4 defeat against Madars Razma.
- Dimitri Van den Bergh endured a comprehensive whitewash, losing 6-0 in his opening match with a mere 75 average.
- Jeffrey Sparidaans also had a tough start, averaging just 67.88 in a 6-0 loss to Tommy Morris, who himself only managed a 71 average.
The second round continued the trend of upsets. Darts legend Raymond van Barneveld was eliminated in a surprising 6-1 loss to Owen Bates, posting a low average of 69.39.
Rising to the Challenge
Despite these early exits, some players showed exceptional form in the early rounds. Kevin Doets, Dirk van Duijvenbode, and Danny Noppert all impressed, advancing to the Last 32 of Players Championship 2 with averages exceeding 100.
The Road to the Quarter-Finals
As the tournament progressed, the competition intensified. Kevin Doets’ impressive run ended in the Last 16. However, Danny Noppert, Wessel Nijman, and Michael van Gerwen successfully secured their spots in the quarter-finals.
- Noppert showcased his strength, defeating Gabriel Clemens 6-2.
- Nijman continued his consistent play with a victory over Tommy Morris.
- Van Gerwen edged out James Hurrell in a tense last-leg decider.
Price’s Dominance: A Staggering Performance
The quarter-finals brought one of the most remarkable performances of the day. Gerwyn Price, the “Iceman,” delivered an absolutely sensational display against Michael van Gerwen. Price unleashed a staggering 117.12 average to whitewash “Mighty Mike” 6-0, sending a clear message to the rest of the field about his formidable form.
Semi-Final Showdowns
The semi-finals pitted four top talents against each other:
- Wessel Nijman continued his excellent form, comfortably defeating Ryan Searle 7-2, becoming the sole Dutchman to reach the final.
- Gerwyn Price, fresh off his dominant win against Van Gerwen, secured his place in the final with a 7-4 victory over Krzysztof Ratajski.
The Grand Final: Nijman vs. Price
The stage was set for an epic confrontation between Wessel Nijman and Gerwyn Price, and the final certainly lived up to expectations. It was a high-quality match, filled with tension and superb darts from both players. The contest remained incredibly tight, with neither player able to establish a significant lead, locking the scores at 7-7.
In the decisive final leg, it was Wessel Nijman who seized control and delivered under immense pressure. A crucial 171 score set him up perfectly, and he sealed his victory with a clinical 94 finish in just 12 darts. Nijman finished the final with an impressive 102.78 average, while Price, despite his loss, still posted a higher average of 107.41, highlighting the incredible standard of play.
This victory marks a significant achievement for Wessel Nijman, solidifying his position as a formidable force on the PDC Pro Tour early in the 2026 season.
Tournament Results Overview
Quarter-Finals:
- Gerwyn Price 6-0 Michael van Gerwen
- Krzysztof Ratajski 6-2 Danny Noppert
- Ryan Searle 6-1 Dave Chisnall
- Wessel Nijman 6-2 Carl Sneyd
Semi-Finals:
- Gerwyn Price 7-4 Krzysztof Ratajski
- Wessel Nijman 7-2 Ryan Searle
Final:
- Wessel Nijman 8-7 Gerwyn Price
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
