Once again, Wessel Nijman emerged as the last man standing, adding yet another Players Championship title to his ever-expanding collection – number six for the season.
The Dutchman, who is enjoying by far the most illustrious campaign of his burgeoning career, embarked upon his latest quest for silverware with a succession of comparatively routine victories. Indeed, prior to reaching the semi-final stage, only Stephen Burton was able to offer any semblance of meaningful resistance.
Even then, Burton’s efforts yielded four legs rather than the requisite six required to orchestrate a genuine upset, as Nijman continued his inexorable march towards yet another piece of Pro Tour glory.What appeared on paper to be a formidable quarter-final encounter against compatriot Kevin Doets proved anything but.
Nijman produced a display of remarkable authority and clinical precision, relinquishing just a solitary leg en route to a comprehensive triumph. Awaiting him in the semi-finals was the phenomenal Beau Greaves, whose exploits continue to underline precisely why the Doncaster star has become one of the most celebrated and record-shattering figures in contemporary darts.
However, despite Greaves’ considerable pedigree, the player who had already amassed five Players Championship titles this season remained inexorable in his quest for a sixth. Delivering another consummately assured performance, Nijman proved simply too formidable for the three-time Lakeside World Champion.
Ryan Searle’s progression to the final, meanwhile, was somewhat more labyrinthine. The Somerset thrower commenced proceedings with an emphatic whitewash of Welshman Derek Coulson before dispatching Irish duo Niall Culleton and Keane Barry.
A far sterner examination arrived in the shape of Jeffrey de Graaf, with Searle surviving a deciding-leg encounter to edge past the Swede in dramatic fashion.
Heavy Metal subsequently accounted for Stephen Bunting with minimal turbulence before prevailing in a captivating semi-final against Jonny Clayton.
It represented another commendable run for The Ferret, whose exertions alongside Nick Kenny during Wales’ World Cup campaign had ensured an especially demanding few days.
And so to the final, where the narrative that has become increasingly familiar throughout 2026 unfolded once more.
Another Players Championship event concluded with Wessel Nijman lifting the title, his sixth floor title of the season complementing his earlier European Tour triumph.Searle ensured the denouement remained engrossing, and came within millimetres of forcing a deciding leg.
Trailing 7-6, the Englishman fashioned a magnificent opportunity to complete a sensational 161 checkout via the bullseye. Had the dart found its intended target, a last-leg decider of extraordinary tension would have ensued.
Instead, the attempt drifted agonisingly astray. Nijman required no further invitation, preserving his throw with characteristic composure to complete an absorbing 8-6 success and further embellish an already extraordinary season.
QUARTER-FINALS
Wessel Nijman 6-1 Kevin Doets
Beau Greaves 6-4 Chris Dobey
Jonny Clayton 6-4 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Ryan Searle 6-3 Stephen Bunting
SEMI-FINALS
Wessel Nijman 7-4 Beau Greaves
Ryan Searle 7-5 Jonny Clayton
FINAL
Wessel Nijman 8-6 Ryan Searle
Images: PDC
