Dutchman, Dirk van Duijvenbode is the latest big name player to fire shots back at critics and aiming directly at the heads of those who have questioned his temperament and recent form.
Speaking to multiple media outlets after his emphatic 3-0 Grand Prix victory over Daryl Gurney, ‘The Titan’ was his typical straight talking reminding us that he has never been one to hide what he thinks. So when the opportunity arose – and when better than fresh off another big-stage victory – Dirk made it abundantly clear that public opinion isn’t high on his list of concerns.
“It annoys me that people think their opinion matters to me. Everyone has one responsibility in life – and that’s to your family. Whatever anyone else says, good luck to them. I’ve got a family too. I don’t mind what people say.”
It was a performance that signalled a return to the kind of form that once carried him to the 2020 World Grand Prix final. For the first time since that run, the Dutchman has gone beyond round two, doing so in a fashion that reminded everyone what makes him such a dangerous opponent.
His trademark intensity was channelled not into frustration but into focus. With a 50% success rate on doubles – double Gurney’s 25% – and his scoring power firing once again, this was vintage van Duijvenbode.
“I have to be honest, I was very nervous. I was playing Daryl and it felt equal. I wasn’t thinking I couldn’t beat him, but I also didn’t think I’d beat him easily. He’s one of the toughest players to face because you can outscore him, but he’ll out-finish you. Today the real Daryl didn’t show up. The finishes he normally punishes me with, he didn’t hit them. And when he doesn’t finish, he doesn’t beat me – because with respect, I score better than him.”
It was hard to argue with his assessment. Six 140s, three 180s, and a string of clinical starts on his favoured double 18 told the story. Gurney (above) had his chances – 101, 109, 140 – but couldn’t convert. Each miss was ruthlessly punished by the Dutchman, who never allowed momentum to shift.
Despite the dominance, van Duijvenbode was quick to downplay any suggestion that his confidence has fully returned. Reflecting, he added: “Good results make you confident, and my results in September weren’t good. Earlier this year, around April or May, I felt like I was one of the ten best players in the world again. Now I don’t feel that way. It’s a struggle. But being insecure also gives you something. Your focus becomes 100%, because you know you’re not confident. You’re coming from an insecure position, thinking it’s very hard to win, and that makes you more focused. It’s not always a bad thing.”
That honesty extended beyond darts. Away from the stage, van Duijvenbode revealed that family matters had played their part in his recent struggles. Fatigue and broken sleep had crept in, disrupting preparation and rhythm. He explains:
“We had a situation at home – it happens to everyone. It came at an inconvenient time, but there’s nothing more important than family. Sometimes that causes a dip in your game with sleep and focus. We went to a child doctor and sorted it about a week ago. The longer I’ve been here, the better I’ve slept. My nights are good again now, and that’s helping me recover from tiredness. I’m not a guy for excuses, but I’m honest. People sometimes say, ‘He’s moaning again,’ but I just say what’s on my mind.”
For someone often perceived as fiery or volatile, van Duijvenbode insists his passion is often misunderstood. “I’m not angry about what people say. My family’s always first. If I had to quit because of my family, I’d do it straight away. It’s the most important thing in life.”
That mix of blunt honesty and fierce determination may well be what’s fuelling his resurgence. His victory over Michael van Gerwen in round one served as a warning shot to the rest of the field. This demolition of Gurney made it clear that van Duijvenbode is back in business.
He laughed off any talk of a “comeback,” but couldn’t resist sharing a light-hearted superstition. “When I made the final, I brought a friend,” he grinned. “Then I didn’t bring one for the other years and lost in the first round. Now I’ve brought a friend again. Costs some money, but it’s paying off.”
If that’s the secret formula, it’s one he’ll happily keep investing in.
—–ENDS—–
Images: Main – PDC / Sion O’Connor , in text PDC
