Jermaine Wattimena holds off Doets to claim third Players Championship title
Jermaine Wattimena holds off Doets to claim third Players Championship title
Jermaine Wattimena produced a stunning display of resilience to fend off compatriot Kevin Doets and claim his third PDC ranking title at Players Championship 27 in Leicester.
The Dutchman recovered from a 4-1 deficit against Luke Woodhouse in the semi-finals before maintaining his composure to defeat Doets 8-6 in an all-Dutch final at the Mattioli Arena and collect the £15,000 top prize.
Wattimena’s run to the title included a landmark victory over world number one Luke Littler, as the 38-year-old produced some sensational finishing to return to the winner’s circle for the first time in 2026.
The former European Championship runner-up began his campaign with victories over Stephen Rosney and Martin Lukeman before edging past Daryl Gurney to reach the last 16.
He then averaged 102 in seeing off Carl Sneyd, setting up a mouthwatering quarter-final against Littler.
The Dutchman held his nerve in a dramatic last-leg decider against the teenager, producing a clutch 115 checkout on tops to secure his first career victory over the world number one.
That result appeared to ignite Wattimena’s charge, as he produced one of the most remarkable finishing spells of the day against Woodhouse.
Trailing 4-1 in their semi-final, Wattimena reeled off six consecutive legs, aided by an astonishing sequence of five ton-plus finishes.
The Dutchman converted 136, 135, 115, 127 and 128 checkouts during the remarkable turnaround before completing a 7-4 victory to book his place in the final.
Doets made the better start to the showpiece, but Wattimena soon seized control, winning six of the next seven legs to establish a commanding 6-2 advantage.
The 27-year-old Doets refused to surrender, winning four of the following five legs to reduce the deficit and threaten another dramatic comeback.
However, Wattimena held his nerve when it mattered most, producing an 11-dart leg to finally end Doets’ hopes and secure his third PDC ranking title.
“I played really well today, but I think some games I made difficult for myself,” conceded Wattimena.
“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.
“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!”
The victory also sees Wattimena return to the world’s top 16 at Ross Smith’s expense, adding further significance to his triumph with the World Grand Prix and Players Championship Finals qualification races gathering pace.
His victory over Littler was undoubtedly one of the defining moments of the campaign, and Wattimena admitted the 115 checkout gave him the belief to go all the way.
“I always play really well against Luke to be honest,” added Wattimena, who famously pushed Littler close during last year’s World Matchplay.
“Even when I lose I play well, and that 115 finish against Luke gave me big confidence.
“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 reaches third final of 2026
Doets continued his breakthrough season by reaching his third Players Championship final of the campaign, although the Dutchman was unable to replicate the form which saw him claim his maiden ranking title earlier this year.
The 27-year-old defeated Rob Cross and Cameron Menzies before producing another impressive victory over six-time 2026 Players Championship winner Wessel Nijman.
Nijman was in typically devastating form earlier in the day, averaging almost 110 in a brutal last-16 demolition of Bradley Brooks before averaging over 102 in his quarter-final victory against Kim Huybrechts.
Doets eventually prevailed to set up his all-Dutch final against Wattimena, but fell short despite his late fightback.
Woodhouse and Littler among quarter-finalists
Woodhouse completed the semi-final line-up after producing another strong showing on the ProTour.
The Englishman edged Dirk van Duijvenbode in a last-leg thriller in the last 16 before averaging more than 101 in defeating Mickey Mansell in the quarter-finals.
Mansell was joined in the last eight by Menzies, Huybrechts and Littler, who made his eagerly anticipated return to Players Championship action.
The 19-year-old is looking to make a late push for qualification for November’s Players Championship Finals and entered the event £22,250 behind the provisional cut-off with seven tournaments remaining.
Littler opened his campaign with victories over Archie Self, Arno Merk and William O’Connor before whitewashing Chris Dobey in the last 16.
However, his title challenge came to an end against Wattimena in a dramatic quarter-final encounter.
Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen also returned to competitive action in Leicester, although both suffered opening-round exits.
Humphries was beaten by Cam Crabtree, while Van Gerwen succumbed to Nick Kenny.
Nathan Aspinall was another high-profile name in action and began his campaign with a nine-dart finish against Thibault Tricole.
However, the Stockport star’s challenge ended in round three against Mansell.
The PDC ProTour action continues on Wednesday with Players Championship 28, as the qualification races for the BoyleSports World Grand Prix and Ladbrokes Players Championship Finals intensify.
Jermaine Wattimena holds off Doets to claim third Players Championship title
2026 Players Championship 27
Tuesday August 25
Mattioli Arena, Leicester
Last 16
Wessel Nijman 6-1 Bradley Brooks
Kim Huybrechts 6-2 Martijn Dragt
Kevin Doets 6-3 Rob Cross
Cameron Menzies 6-1 Krzysztof Ratajski
Luke Woodhouse 6-5 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Mickey Mansell 6-5 Ryan Searle
Luke Littler 6-0 Chris Dobey
Jermaine Wattimena 6-4 Carl Sneyd
Quarter-Finals
Wessel Nijman 6-3 Kim Huybrechts
Kevin Doets 6-2 Cameron Menzies
Luke Woodhouse 6-2 Mickey Mansell
Jermaine Wattimena 6-5 Luke Littler
Semi-Finals
Kevin Doets 7-5 Wessel Nijman
Jermaine Wattimena 7-4 Luke Woodhouse
Final
Jermaine Wattimena 8-6 Kevin Doets
Nine-Darter!
Nathan Aspinall hit a nine-darter in his round one tie against Thibault Tricole.
