2022 runner-up Dirk van Duijvenbode launched a terrific fightback to defeat Sweden’s Viktor Tingström in the Thurday evening’s opener at the World Series of Darts Finals.
The Dutchman reeled off five consecutive legs from 4-1 down to triumph 6-4 with six 180s. The late call-up – stepping in after Man Lok Leung’s withdrawal – looked in trouble early as Tingström broke throw and raced into a commanding lead.
But the Aubergenius found his range, slammed in the maximums and powered through the remaining legs to become the first player into the last 16 in Amsterdam.
It has been a frustratingly up-and-down 2026 for the a man who seemed on the verge of a return to his very best.
A first-ever World Matchplay semi-final (where he saw off Chris Dobey, Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson before a heavy loss to Luke Littler) and a Players Championship final showed the old major-threat form is still there. Yet recent early exits on the European Tour have left him searching for consistency.
Now, back on home soil and through to the second round, Van Duijvenbode has a real chance to rediscover that major-finalist edge and finally go one step further than his 2022 runner-up finish at this very event.
2026 World Series of Darts Finals
Thursday September 17
Round One x8
Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-4 Viktor Tingstrom
Ryan Searle 6-2 Rob Cross
Karel Sedlacek 6-4 Ben Robb
Ross Smith 6-3 Kevin Doets
Josh Rock 6-5 Stephen Bunting
Luke Humphries 6-4 Jermaine Wattimena
Daryl Gurney 6-5 Michael van Gerwen
Gian van Veen 6-2 Chris Dobey
Images: Kelly Deckers/PDC
