Tears of Triumph: Wattimena Finally Lifts First PDC Title in Hildesheim

Jermaine Wattimena ended years of heartbreak on Wednesday afternoon as he secured his long-awaited first PDC ranking title, defeating Lukas Wenig 8-5 in the final of Players Championship 23 in Hildesheim.

After more than a decade of consistent appearances on the PDC ProTour, Wattimena finally reached the summit on his seventh attempt in a ranking final. The emotion was raw as the Dutchman collapsed into tears, overwhelmed by a moment he had chased for so long.

The 2023 European Championship runner-up becomes the third consecutive new winner on the Players Championship circuit, joining Bradley Brooks and Sebastian Bialecki in lifting their maiden ranking titles in recent weeks.

“I have finally won a title. This means so much to me,” said a tearful Wattimena. “After losing in five ProTour finals and a major final, now I’ve done it. I’m so, so happy!”

A Long Road to Glory

Wattimena’s road to the title was anything but smooth. He had previously reached six finals across the PDC circuit but fell short each time. However, Wednesday felt different from the outset, as he demonstrated some of the best form of his career.

In the early rounds, the Dutchman averaged 103 against Jose de Sousa and 104 in a win over Rob Owen, underlining his intent. A key moment came in the third round, where he nailed a 157 checkout in a tense 6-4 victory over Gabriel Clemens.

Momentum continued to build as he edged past compatriot Danny Noppert and the always-dangerous Ryan Joyce—both by 6-4 scorelines—to reach the semi-finals. There, he overwhelmed recent Players Championship winner Bradley Brooks with a dominant 7-2 performance to book his place in the final.

The showdown with Germany’s Lukas Wenig was a nervy affair, filled with missed doubles from both players. With the score tied at 4-4, Wenig looked poised to claim his first title on home soil. But Wattimena stepped up in the clutch moments, landing a 106 finish in leg ten and following it with a stunning 107 checkout on tops to seal the deal and spark emotional celebrations.

Wenig Makes His Mark on Home Soil

Though he fell just short, Lukas Wenig also made history on Wednesday by reaching his first Players Championship final—and he did so in impressive fashion.

The German opened his campaign with a comfortable win over Mario Vandenbogaerde, before surviving a decider against Tom Bissell. He then raced through the middle stages of the day with three consecutive 6-2 victories, taking out Jimmy van Schie, Daryl Gurney, and Justin Hood, and even averaging over 101 against Van Schie.

In the semi-finals, Wenig overcame Wessel Nijman in a thrilling encounter. An 11-dart break and a precise 109 checkout proved decisive as he reached his maiden final in front of a supportive German crowd.

While the £10,000 runner-up prize will be a bittersweet consolation, Wenig’s performance has given his World Championship qualification hopes a major boost.

Nijman, Joyce, Brooks & Van Veen Shine

Wessel Nijman’s impressive campaign was another major talking point. The Dutch youngster averaged just shy of 109 in a dramatic third-round win over Kim Huybrechts, and he later eliminated Ross Smith to reach the last four before falling to Wenig.

Bradley Brooks, fresh from his recent title win, continued his rich vein of form. He posted ton-plus averages in wins over Luke Woodhouse, William O’Connor, and Gian van Veen, before his run was ended by Wattimena in the semi-finals.

Gian van Veen also had a moment to remember, producing a perfect nine-darter in his third-round clash with Ryan Meikle. The Dutchman wrapped up a 6-2 win with a remarkable 111.68 average, further reinforcing his reputation as one of the game’s most exciting young prospects.

Ryan Joyce delivered the performance of the day with a 114.03 average in his last-16 victory over Michael Flynn, while Mervyn King, Justin Hood, and Ross Smith also featured in the quarter-finals.

Breakthrough for Olde Kalter

It was also a landmark afternoon for Dennie Olde Kalter, who finally ended his long wait for a win on the Players Championship circuit. The Dutchman had endured 20 consecutive first-round defeats, but he broke that streak with a victory over Jim Williams, and followed it up with wins over Thibault Tricole and Ricky Evans before bowing out to Mervyn King in the last 16.

Looking Ahead

Wattimena’s long-awaited breakthrough is a testament to perseverance, and his triumph in Hildesheim will undoubtedly inject new belief into his career. With multiple first-time winners emerging on the ProTour in recent weeks, the competition for spots at the World Darts Championship and the World Matchplay is intensifying.

As the Players Championship season continues, the message is clear: the field is wide open, and anyone can make a breakthrough on their day.

Tears of Triumph: Wattimena Finally Lifts First PDC Title in Hildesheim

2025 Players Championship 23

Wednesday July 30

Halle 39, Hildesheim

Last 16

Ryan Joyce 6-3 Michael Flynn

Jermaine Wattimena 6-4 Danny Noppert

Mervyn King 6-4 Dennie Olde Kalter

Bradley Brooks 6-4 Gian van Veen

Justin Hood 6-3 Andy Baetens

Lukas Wenig 6-2 Daryl Gurney

Ross Smith 6-3 Owen Bates

Wessel Nijman 6-4 Andreas Harrysson

Quarter-Finals

Jermaine Wattimena 6-4 Ryan Joyce

Bradley Brooks 6-3 Mervyn King

Lukas Wenig 6-2 Justin Hood

Wessel Nijman 6-3 Ross Smith

Semi-Finals

Jermaine Wattimena 7-2 Bradley Brooks

Lukas Wenig 7-6 Wessel Nijman

Final

Jermaine Wattimena 8-5 Lukas Wenig

Nine-Darter!

Gian van Veen hit a nine-darter in his third round tie against Ryan Meikle!