In recent months, the 24-year-old Dutchman has begun to shine at the top level, making waves in the darts world. He reached a Players Championship final in July and a European Tour quarter-final in Budapest, showcasing his talent and skill on the big stage.
Having won eight Winmau Development Tour events since his return to competition following a suspension in 2023, Nijman has now secured a £15,000 ProTour title for the first time. It’s a significant achievement for the young player, who has been steadily climbing the ranks and making a name for himself in the darts community.
“I’ve felt like it was coming,” said Nijman. “I thought [I had to] be patient and it will come.” These words reflect his determination and belief in his abilities, showing that he has the confidence and mindset of a true champion.
“In the start of the year I was hitting 100 averages but I felt I was a bit unlucky losing those games, and then I started to hit those match darts,” Nijman explained. It’s clear that he has been working hard on his game and honing his skills to reach this level of success.
“It’s probably the best months of my darting career. When I was playing the Development Tour last year I wasn’t expecting to get a Tour Card,” Nijman reflected. His journey to this point has been full of challenges and obstacles, but he has overcome them with determination and perseverance.
“I knew I could win it when I was in the final. My goal was to get in the top 64 after two years; I’ll probably get into it after one year so I’m very happy with that,” Nijman said. His ambitious goals and dreams are starting to become a reality, and he is thankful for the opportunities that have come his way.
The triumph in the first of three successive events in Wigan this week saw Nijman display his talent and skill on the oche. He fired in ton-plus averages against tough opponents like Radek Szaganski, Ryan Searle, and Jose De Sousa, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Nijman’s dominant display continued as he defeated Krzysztof Ratajski 6-2 in the quarter-finals and ended Gary Anderson’s brilliant run with a 7-5 semi-final success. His impressive performances against top players solidified his status as a rising star in the world of darts.
In the final, Nijman faced off against Bunting, who took an early 2-0 lead. However, Nijman fought back with five straight legs to take command of the match. He extended his lead to 7-3 before Bunting made a comeback, pulling back to 7-5 after surviving three missed match darts.
Overall, Nijman’s victory in the ProTour event marks a significant milestone in his career, signaling his arrival as a top player in the world of darts. With his talent, skill, and determination, he is poised to achieve even greater success in the future.
