Latest news with #DutchDartsChampionship
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘I felt down.. I just didn't want to play' – Ex-Premier League champion nearly QUIT darts as he opens up on heartbreak
EMOTIONAL Jonny Clayton has revealed he came close to QUITTING darts as he struggled to cope with the death of his dad. The Welshman enjoyed an great run at the World Matchplay, reaching the semi-finals where he was then knocked out by James Wade in an all-time classic clash. Advertisement 2 Jonny Clayton has revealed he came close to quitting darts as he struggled to cope with the death of his dad Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 2 Clayton came narrowly close to making the final of the World Matchplay Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Their last four match went down as the longest ever semi-final in World Matchplay history , as 2023 runner-up Clayton fought back from 16-10 down to force a tiebreak. The Machine eventually won it 20-18 to set up a final clash with eventual winner who clinched glory with a 18-13 victory . Despite narrowly missing out on a shot at the trophy, there were plenty of positives for Clayton to take from an impressive week in Blackpool. The 'Ferret' thrashed world No.4 Stephen Bunting 16-7 to book his spot in the last four, which was his fourth major semi-final this year. Advertisement READ MORE DARTS NEWS But Clayton was prepared to walk away from darts altogether after a tough period following the But after beating Bunting, the 50-year-old revealed he has now rediscovered his love of the sport. He said: 'I've changed my mind! I've got the hunger back. I don't know what it is. I felt a bit down in darts , but I want to be one of the best. 'It hurts that I've dropped from world number five to nine with the rankings, but I'm climbing back up slowly. I want to be with the elite. Advertisement Most read in Darts Latest BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS 'When you're there, people respect you more than what they do when you are further down the rankings. 'If you're not playing well, no matter your ranking, people pick up on it. Luke Littler sends Blackpool wild as he wins World Matchplay Darts 'But if you're playing well, it's a step in the right direction. I had to do a job against Stephen, and I did." Advertisement Clayton then opened up on how his tragic loss has affected him, as he admitted losing all motivation to play the sport. The former plasterer added: 'I don't think I have hit top gear here yet. "But I am back on the practice board and that is something I have not done for probably a year and a half. 'We all know two years ago with my dad passing I just did not want to play. Advertisement 'I have a smile back on my face now and I have two kids who want me to do well.' Clayton has certainly managed to bounce back this year, having picked up a Euro Tour title at the Dutch Darts Championship in May. He also narrowly missed out on glory at the World Cup of Darts, as he and Wales team-mate Gerwyn Price were beaten 10-9 in the final by Northern Irish pair Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney. The Welsh darts star is a four-time major winner, with all of these titles coming in 2021. Advertisement In one-year, Clayton tasted glory in the Premier League, World Masters, World Grand Prix and the World Series of Darts Finals.
Daily Mirror
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Luke Littler's opponent at World Matchplay broke darts' golden rule before issuing apology
Luke Littler, who hammered Ryan Searle in round one, continues his challenge for a maiden World Matchplay crown against feisty Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena on Wednesday Luke Littler's upcoming World Matchplay opponent once defied a golden darts rule before offering a heartfelt apology. World champion Littler continues his bid for a first Matchplay title against Jermaine Wattimena on Wednesday night. The duo have clashed twice previously, with The Nuke emerging victorious on both occasions. Wattimena has periodically irritated rivals, with one opponent even declining to shake hands after one contentious episode. During last year's Dutch Darts Championship, Wattimena faced Joe Cullen in a contest that went to a final-leg showdown. During the crucial leg, as Cullen prepared to throw, Wattimena attempted to rally the local supporters with hand movements in an apparent bid to secure an advantage. PDC commentator Dan Dawson said: "He probably did break some etiquette rules there. You don't play to the crowd when your opponent is about to toe the oche." Wattimena proceeded to claim the leg, with Cullen declining the traditional post-match handshake. After the episode, Wattimena acknowledged his error and issued a public statement of regret. He told Algemeen Dagblad: "He didn't give a hand and then I made a move. Did I do it on purpose? No. "It was in the heat of the moment. Sorry to Joe Cullen, it was not the intention. I understand he's upset, because you just can't do this, I know what I'm doing wrong. Hopefully, he understands. I'm not happy about it." After world No.1 and defending champion Luke Humphries crashed out to Gian van Veen on the opening night, Littler cruised to a 10-2 triumph over Ryan Searle in the first round. The Nuke was dominant from the off at the Winter Gardens, posting an average of 108.92 and firing in five 180s. Speaking after the match, Littler said: "I was well up for tonight. I really wanted that winning feeling. I'm so glad to get my first win here, and I cannot wait to come back on Wednesday. "I've been practising so much recently. I've been putting the hours in, and I'm glad it's paid off tonight. I think all eyes are on me now, but I will just take it game by game." Meanwhile, Wattimena secured his spot in the last 16 with a narrow 10-8 victory over former Matchplay champion Peter Wright. On facing Littler, he said: "I've never played bad against him. If you want to win a tournament, you have to be beat the best player in the world."
Scottish Sun
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘You need to make a sacrifice in life' – Michael van Gerwen drops darts retirement plan hint after divorce shock
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MICHAEL VAN GERWEN has vowed to stay in darts for another decade. The Dutchman, 36, recently took time away from the sport after announcing he is divorcing wife of 11 years Daphne. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Michael van Gerwen returns to action this weekend in New York Credit: PA 3 The Green Machine recently confirmed he was getting a divorce from wife Daphne Credit: Instagram / @mvg180 3 Daphne and MVG have been married for 11 years Credit: Van Gerwen dropped out of the Dutch Darts Championship and has not played since the Premier League finals on May 22. He said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Daphne and I have decided to end our relationship. "As a result, I have withdrawn from the upcoming tournaments." MVG will return to action this weekend at the US Masters in New York. READ MORE ON DARTS MIC DROP Van Gerwen breaks silence over split from wife Daphne as he prepares for comeback It's a tournament where the Green Machine has tasted recent success in 2017 and 2023. Van Gerwen shares two children with Daphne. And he has vowed to put them first - while aiming to rule the world again at the oche. Van Gerwen said: "I love playing darts, but one thing I love more and that's my kids. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "I want to live a bit healthier as well and I still want to do this in 10 years, so I think you need to make a sacrifice in life, it's as simple as that. "I will see how things go, but I'm living by the moment. Michael van Gerwen hits incredible nine-darter after fans spot he's made subtle change following struggles "I have had more success in [the US Masters] than anyone else ever. "I need to make sure I'm going to maintain that by giving 100 per cent." Van Gerwen, 36, and Daphne began dating in 2008. They tied the knot six years later. MVG is a three-time world champion but has struggled with his form over the past year. He has battled numerous health concerns, including an issue picked up during a holiday in Thailand in January.
The Irish Sun
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘You need to make a sacrifice in life' – Michael van Gerwen drops darts retirement plan hint after divorce shock
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN has vowed to stay in darts for another decade. The Dutchman, 36, recently took time away from the sport after announcing he is Advertisement 3 Michael van Gerwen returns to action this weekend in New York Credit: PA 3 The Green Machine recently confirmed he was getting a divorce from wife Daphne Credit: Instagram / @mvg180 3 Daphne and MVG have been married for 11 years Credit: Van Gerwen dropped out of the Dutch Darts Championship and has not played since the Premier League finals on May 22. He said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Daphne and I have decided to end our relationship. "As a result, I have withdrawn from the upcoming tournaments." MVG will return to action this weekend at the US Masters in New York. Advertisement READ MORE ON DARTS It's a tournament where the Green Machine has tasted recent success in 2017 and 2023. Van Gerwen shares two children with Daphne. And he has vowed to put them first - while aiming to rule the world again at the oche. Van Gerwen said: "I love playing darts, but one thing I love more and that's my kids. Advertisement Most read in Darts BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "I want to live a bit healthier as well and I still want to do this in 10 years, so I think you need to make a sacrifice in life, it's as simple as that. "I will see how things go, but I'm living by the moment. Michael van Gerwen hits incredible nine-darter after fans spot he's made subtle change following struggles "I have had more success in [the US Masters] than anyone else ever. Advertisement "I need to make sure I'm going to maintain that by giving 100 per cent." Van Gerwen, 36, and Daphne . They tied the knot six years later. MVG is a three-time world champion but has Advertisement He has
Scottish Sun
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘This chapter will close' – Rising darts star, 24, quits day job as a civil servant to commit to the sport full-time
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DARTS star Niko Springer has quit his day job to focus on the sport. The 24-year-old has been balancing his time at the oche with working as a civil servant. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Niko Springer has revealed he is quitting his job as a civil servant Credit: Getty But Springer is ready to be a full-time professional after losing the Dutch Darts Championship final last month. The German was eventually beaten by Jonny Clayton after seeing off the likes of Stephen Bunting, Jermaine Wattimena and Martin Schindler. Springer told the Tops Tops Tops podcast: "From August, things will change. I won't be working anymore. "I enjoyed my job and I did it well, so this wasn't easy. READ MORE IN DARTS LOOK ON THE BRIGHTSIDE Darts star claims wife has cost him money by rejecting walk-on song "But I've decided that this chapter will close — at least for now — in August. "When I have a weekend like Rosmalen, I get home around half past three in the morning. "Then I'm up again at seven for work — plus a one-hour commute. Over time, it just drains you. "That sense of security is going away for the moment, but I've got the option to go back at any time, no strings attached. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS Springer, who got knocked out by Scott Williams on his World Championship debut last year, has been tipped to be a future star. But he has taken an unusual route to becoming a pro after initially stalling to focus on his university studies. Players Championship clash descends into 'pub darts' with even winner looking embarrassed after 'stinking' leg Springer said: "I usually prefer to play it safe. My education was always the priority."
