The 2026 Dutch National Darts Championship for youth categories delivered thrilling upsets, with Jaco van Dijk (Juniors), Sidney Askarian (Aspirants), and Michelle Krug (Girls) unexpectedly claiming the top titles. Favorites stumbled as these rising stars showcased incredible skill and composure under pressure, marking a new era for Dutch youth darts.
Juniors (Under 18): Van Dijk Claims Crown in Stunning Fashion
The Junior category saw 16-year-old Jaco van Dijk emerge as the champion, defeating last year’s Aspirant winner, Quinn Sneeboer, in a captivating final. Sneeboer’s journey to the final was dramatic, as he narrowly escaped defeat in the last 32, surviving multiple match darts against Daan Toxopeus. He then comfortably beat Vinny Stassen and Luuk de Waal, both 3-1, to secure his spot in the championship match.
Van Dijk’s path was equally impressive, with notable victories over Kendji Steinbach (3-2), Kai Burger (3-2), and Ruben Baalmans (3-1). Surprisingly, Bradley van der Velden, the WDF World Champion, had an early exit, crashing out in the group stage and failing to make an impact.
The Junior Final: Van Dijk vs. Sneeboer
The final was a tense affair. Van Dijk struck first, but Sneeboer quickly responded with a 17-dart leg, letting out a loud roar. Van Dijk then showcased his composure with a sharp 67-finish. Sneeboer again leveled the score in the next leg, but it was Van Dijk who proved to be the stronger player in the decisive moments. He followed an 18-dart leg on his own throw with a crucial 22-dart break of throw, securing the biggest title of his young career. While Sneeboer missed out on the championship, he still earned the consolation of being crowned the 2025/2026 Ranking Champion.
Junior Tournament Key Results:
Quarter-finals:
- Dion Hombroek 3-2 Siem van den Elzen
- Quinn Sneeboer 3-1 Vinny Stassen
- Jaco van Dijk 3-1 Ruben Baalmans
- Luuk de Waal 3-0 Joe van Gend
Semi-finals:
- Jaco van Dijk 3-1 Dion Hombroek
- Quinn Sneeboer 3-1 Luuk de Waal
Aspirants (Under 14): Askarian’s Coolness Conquers “Darteritis”
With Quinn Sneeboer moving up to the Junior category, the Aspirants division opened up for new talent. Top seed Koen Jansen was the favorite heading into the tournament in Driebergen-Rijsenburg, but he was surprisingly defeated 3-1 in the semi-finals by third seed Bastiaan van Helbergen. The other finalist was the unexpected Sidney Askarian, who secured his first final appearance of the season after tight 3-2 victories against Bentley Exmann and Ryan Schilperoord.
The Aspirant Final: Askarian vs. Van Helbergen
In the final, Van Helbergen took the first leg, but his performance began to falter. The young player was visibly struggling with a severe case of “darteritis” – a condition causing involuntary muscle spasms or jerking movements, particularly in the throwing arm, significantly impacting a player’s accuracy and confidence. As the match progressed, his darteritis became more pronounced. Askarian, however, remained incredibly composed, winning three legs in a row to seize the Aspirant title.
Aspirant Tournament Key Results:
Semi-finals:
- Sidney Askarian 3-2 Ryan Schilperoord
- Bastiaan van Helbergen 3-1 Koen Jansen
Girls’ Championship: Krug Upsets Favorite for Maiden Title
In the Girls’ category, Phoebe Vermeulen was the overwhelming favorite, having won an impressive seven titles in ten tournaments this year. However, the championship proved that favorites don’t always prevail. In a stunning semi-final upset, Michelle Krug defeated Vermeulen 3-2.
Krug, who had already secured a title earlier in the year, then took on the mantle of favorite for the final. She faced Bente Voorbij, who was playing in her very first tournament of the year. Krug demonstrated her dominance by winning all three legs, securing her maiden National Championship title with a commanding performance.
Girls’ Tournament Key Results:
Semi-finals:
- Bente Voorbij 3-0 Eline Kersbergen
- Michelle Krug 3-2 Phoebe Vermeulen
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
