Prior to last weekend’s German Darts Grand Prix in Munich, Hawkeye had never ventured into the latter stages of a Euro Tour event. Therefore, a run to the semi-finals – where he was eventually halted by Nathan Aspinall – represented a significant and career-defining breakthrough.

MORE ELITE DARTS COVERAGE: Check Out Our Devoted PDC Area

In truth, this should come as little surprise. The Netherlands has been a prolific breeding ground for world-class darting talent for decades, a lineage that traces back to the pioneering figure and, as many would argue, the godfather of the sport in that nation, Raymond van Barneveld. Just over a decade ago, Michael van Gerwen exploded onto the scene, forging a legacy that remains firmly embedded among the most illustrious in the sport’s history, despite still operating at an elite level today.

The subsequent emergence of Danny Noppert and Dirk van Duijvenbode only served to reinforce that formidable Dutch stronghold. More recently, Gian van Veen and Wessel Nijman have emphatically underlined their credentials as players destined to inhabit the sport’s upper echelons for years to come.

So, the pertinent question becomes: is the Dutch-born, Sweden-based Kevin Doets on the cusp of propelling himself into that esteemed company? Based on his sustained progression over recent seasons and his increasingly compelling performances, few would be inclined to dismiss the possibility.

Once somewhat obscured within a constellation of high-profile names at The Sportsman Management Company – a stable that boasted four PDC major champions – Doets now radiates as its most luminous figure. In a roster that previously included James Wade, Glen Durrant, Dimitri Van den Bergh and José de Sousa, the spotlight was invariably directed elsewhere.

However, the landscape has undergone a notable transformation. Duzza stepped away from competitive play to pursue a career behind the microphone. Wadey sought fresh pastures. The Special One’s trajectory waned, culminating in the loss of his tour card. And for two-time Belgian major winner, Dimitri, the path appears increasingly uncertain.

The consequence of this evolution is clear: Kevin Doets has emphatically established himself as the organisation’s brightest beacon.

To trace the genesis of Hawkeye’s ascent, one must rewind four years to European Q-School, where Doets secured his professional tour card by finishing third on the Order of Merit. Far from an unknown quantity, the Almere native had already demonstrated his pedigree with dual triumphs on both the PDC Development and Challenge Tours – indicators of promise, albeit not guarantees of future eminence.

FULL DETAILS WITH DARTSDATABASE: FROM LIVE SCORES TO GRANULAR HISTORIC DATA

Then, at just 23 years of age, Doets compiled a sequence of commendable performances across Players Championship events over the ensuing two years, ensuring his retention on the circuit. His most notable run during that period culminated in a narrow runner-up finish in Barnsley, where he was edged out by Luke Humphries towards the end of 2023.

The 2024 World Championship draw then catapulted Doets into immediate prominence. A potential opening-night encounter with reigning champion Michael Smith loomed large. First, however, he was tasked with navigating past Stowe Buntz in the tournament’s curtain-raiser, with the prize being a shot at the title-holder later that same evening.

Having dispatched the American, Doets came tantalisingly close to producing a seismic upset. Were it not for a moment of sublime, perfectly timed brilliance from Bullyboy, the narrative may have unfolded very differently. Though he exited Alexandra Palace without victory, Doets departed with widespread plaudits, having pushed the champion to the brink with a breath-taking display.

In a curious twist of sporting symmetry, exactly one year later, the two were drawn to meet once more on darts’ grandest stage. By this point, Smith was no longer the reigning champion, yet still a formidable opponent. This time, however, Doets completed the statement, securing a landmark victory en route to a deeply impressive World Championship campaign that ultimately concluded in the fourth round after the Christmas break, edged out by Chris Dobey in a deciding set.

Throughout last season’s Players Championship circuit, Doets epitomised consistency. While a maiden title narrowly eluded him, his campaign was punctuated by a series of deep runs, including a remarkable sequence of four consecutive quarter-final appearances. Towards the end of 2025, he advanced a step further, reaching the semi-finals before being denied a place in the final by Ryan Searle.

Consistency, of course, is the elusive currency all darting professionals covet – particularly those knocking insistently on the door of the world’s top 16.

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Building on that momentum, Doets enjoyed another commendable run to the fourth round of the World Championship, notably overcoming two-time major winner Nathan Aspinall along the way, before succumbing to a dominant performance from Luke Humphries.

Ready For The Next Step in the PDC DartsStairway?

Now hovering on the precipice of the world’s top 32, it feels less a question of if and more when that threshold will be breached. The early stages of the current season have been highly encouraging. Across the opening eight Players Championship events, Doets has registered two quarter-final appearances and a semi-final run in Leicester – placing him among the most productive performers on the floor thus far.

On the Euro Tour, despite participating in only half of this season’s events, he currently occupies a commendable position inside the top 16, bolstered significantly by his semi-final run in Munich.
At present, Kevin Doets resides firmly within the “one to watch” bracket – a player advancing with palpable momentum and yet another prodigious Dutch talent who appears increasingly poised to challenge for major honours in the not-too-distant future.

—–ENDS—–

Images: PDC

The post Kevin Doets: The Next Dutch Darts Star? appeared first on Darts World Magazine.

The post Kevin Doets: The Next Dutch Darts Star? appeared first on Darts World Magazine.

Van den Herik, who last appeared at the Super Series back in September, made his return by taking the early lead in Group A, after winning four matches from five, as he recorded victories against and Jasper Scarrott, with his only defeat coming against Reece Colley, to sit on 8 points from a possible 10 thus far.  

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Elsewhere, three players in Alex Spellman, Dmitrii Rogov and Reece Colley ended the day 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th respectively on 6 points each, whilst David Munyua sits in 5^th on 4 points and Jasper Scarrott bottom on 0 points having suffered five straight defeats.  

The Modus Super Series continues on Tuesday with the six players returning, hoping to boost their chances of securing a place in Saturday’s Finale, with Van den Herik leading the way thus far.

Play will be streamed on Pluto TV with highlights and other coverage on the MODUS Super Series YouTube channel, or via various bookmaker’ websites worldwide. 

Check out Darts World’s MODUS Super Series Hall of Fame for the personalities and history of this event.

Modus Super Series Darts – Week 12 

Monday 6^th April  

Group A (Day One)

David Munyua 4-1 Reece Colley 

Alex Spellman 4-0 Jasper Scarrott 

Jamai Van den Herik 4-2 Dmitrii Rogov 

Alex Spellman 4-1 David Munyua 

Reece Colley 4-1 Jamai Van den Herik 

Dmitrii Rogov 4-0 Jasper Scarrott 

Jamai Van den Herik 4-2 David Munyua 

Alex Spellman 4-3 Dmitrii Rogov 

Reece Colley 4-2 Jasper Scarrott 

Jamai Van den Herik 4-2 Alex Spellman 

David Munyua 4-0 Jasper Scarrott 

Dmitrii Rogov 4-1 Reece Colley 

Jamai Van den Herik 4-0 Jasper Scarrott 

Reece Colley 4-3 Alex Spellman  

Dmitrii Rogov 4-3 David Munyua 

—–ENDS—–

Images: PDC

The post Jamai Jumps Into MODUS Super Series Darts Lead appeared first on Darts World Magazine.

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For The Asp, his continental trophy collection now ascends to four – all amassed within a remarkably condensed timeframe of just over a year, and, intriguingly, all on German soil.

For Noppie, however, the number four assumes a far less palatable connotation, representing a quartet of Euro Tour final defeats.

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The Mancunian may well now regard airport queues as his most formidable adversary, once again being subjected to laborious and seemingly interminable delays. In the immediate aftermath, though, with silverware in hand and a £35,000 cheque securely tucked away, such inconveniences will feel decidedly trivial.

Commencing his campaign on finals night, Aspinall eventually navigated past the obdurate resistance of Andrew Gilding. Despite registering an average markedly superior to that of Goldfinger, the 55-year-old exhibited commendable tenacity, clinging resolutely to contention.

Ultimately, however, it was the younger of the two English protagonists who asserted his authority when it mattered most.

Awaiting The Asp in the semi-final was a player venturing into entirely unfamiliar territory.Kevin Doets, who prior to this event had never progressed beyond the quarter-final stage, is rapidly establishing himself as a burgeoning force. His narrative throughout the tournament had been one of resilience and recovery, repeatedly extricating himself from precarious positions.

FULL DETAILS WITH DARTSDATABASE: FROM LIVE SCORES TO GRANULAR HISTORIC DATA

Once again, Hawkeye demonstrated admirable fortitude, battling back to edge close friend Niels Zonneveld in their last-eight encounter and advance into uncharted waters.Unfortunately for the young Dutchman, his journey was emphatically curtailed by Aspinall, who delivered a performance of imperious quality.

Trailing 6-1, even Doets’ penchant for improbable comebacks proved insufficient against an opponent who concluded proceedings with a sublime average just north of 106.

In the opposite half of the draw, Noppert progressed with relative serenity past a Jonny Clayton who endured a torrid time on the doubles. The Freeze himself was far from exemplary on the outer ring, converting fewer than a third of his attempts. However, this paled into insignificance when contrasted with the Welshman’s profligacy of one from thirteen.

It was hardly a spectacle for the purists, but for Noppert, efficiency of outcome outweighed aesthetic considerations.To secure his place in the final, Noppert once again advanced with authority, dispatching Krzysztof Ratajski.

Earlier in the evening, the Pole had eliminated Michael Smith, thereby ensuring the inevitability of a new name being inscribed onto the tournament’s roll of honour. Had Ratajski’s finishing mirrored his scoring, the result may have unfolded differently. It did not, and Noppie progressed to set up a compelling showdown between two former UK Open champions.

In a strikingly familiar pattern to his semi-final triumph over Doets, The Asp exploded out of the blocks, surging into a commanding 4-1 lead before momentarily succumbing to an inexplicable bout of doubling amnesia.

Noppert, ever the opportunist, required no second invitation, clinically capitalising to restore parity and edge ahead.

Yet from 5-4 down, Aspinall recalibrated with emphatic authority, reeling off four consecutive legs for the second time in the match to clinch the title.Only a week prior, Aspinall had candidly admitted to a waning affection for the sport – perhaps exacerbated by those aforementioned airport tribulations.

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However, for a player who began 2025 without a single Euro Tour title to his name, now possessing four, this latest triumph may well serve as a powerful catalyst in rekindling that passion.

2026 GERMAN DARTS GRAND PRIX (EVENT FOUR)

Munich, Germany (4-6 April)

Monday Afternoon Session – Round Three

Danny Noppert 6-2 Karel Sedlacek

Jonny Clayton 6-4 Kim Huybrechts

Krzysztof Ratajski 6-4 Ross Smith

Michael Smith 6-4 Niko Springer

Niels Zonnerveld 6-5 Josh Rock

Kevin Doets 6-5 Dirk van Duijvenbode

Nathan Aspinall 6-2 Martin Schindler

William O’Connor v Andrew Gilding

Quarter-Finals

Danny Noppert 6-1 Jonny Clayton

Krzysztof Ratajski 6-2 Michael Smith

Kevin Doets 6-5 Niels Zonnerveld

Nathan Aspinall 6-4 Andrew Gilding

Semi-Finals

Danny Noppert 7-2 Krzysztof Ratajski

Nathan Aspinall 7-2 Kevin Doets

Final

Nathan Aspinall 8-5 Danny Noppert

—–Ends—–

Images: Sebastian Doppstadt/PDC Europe

The post German Darts Grand Prix: Aspinall Goes Fourth and Seals Munich Crown appeared first on Darts World Magazine.

The post German Darts Grand Prix: Aspinall Goes Fourth and Seals Munich Crown appeared first on Darts World Magazine.

Still firmly in contention for silverware this evening is a compelling amalgamation of youthful exuberance, seasoned experience, and remarkably comparable darting résumés, creating an intriguingly balanced landscape as the tournament edges towards its crescendo.

For two emerging Dutch talents, Niels Zonneveld and Kevin Doets, the prospect of career-defining glory looms large. Within a matter of hours, one of them could be etching the most significant chapter of their oche journey to date.

Triple Z continues to scintillate on this season’s Euro Tour. Having previously bowed out at the semi-final stage in each of his last two appearances, Zonneveld once again finds himself embedded within the tournament’s decisive stages following a pulsating last-leg victory over Josh Rock.

Delivering yet another emphatic ton-plus performance, underpinned by clinical ruthlessness on the outer ring, the ascending Dutchman produced a nerveless break of throw in the decider to reach the quarter-finals for a third consecutive outing.

If Zonneveld’s display was impressive, then the performance conjured by compatriot Kevin Doets was nothing short of extraordinary.

In edging past Dirk van Duijvenbode, Hawkeye unleashed what is believed to be a record-breaking barrage of ten maximums in a best-of-eleven encounter – a feat of scoring ferocity that bordered on the absurd. During commentary, Dan Dawson recalled that Michael Smith had once achieved a similar statistical milestone, albeit in a match he somehow contrived to lose.

The Sweden-based, Netherlands-born arrow-smith Doets could, in truth, have rendered the contest far more comfortable, spurning opportunities on the doubles at pivotal junctures – lapses that The Aubergenius duly punished.

Nevertheless, in elite sport, the only statistic that ultimately resonates is the final scoreline. With six legs beside his name, Doets progresses to a mouth-watering showdown against close friend Niels Zonneveld this evening, in what promises to be a blockbuster encounter of considerable magnitude.

Kicking off proceedings, victories were secured by two players intimately familiar with the art of collecting PDC titles – Danny Noppert and Jonny Clayton.

The Freeze brought an end to what Karel Sedlacek may have perceived as a free-hit opportunity, producing a composed and professionally assured display to advance.Noppert will now face Clayton after the enigmatic Welshman prevailed in a high-calibre duel against Kim Huybrechts.

In truth, the Belgian produced a performance of considerable quality, scoring heavily and finishing with admirable precision. Yet contests of such intensity are so often decided by the most marginal of moments, and a solitary break of throw from The Ferret in the fifth leg proved to be the decisive intervention. Clayton advances; Huybrechts departs with a wealth of positives.

Next came the involvement of the two English Smiths – beginning with Ross. However, following his encounter with The Polish Eagle, Krzysztof Ratajski, he will not be adding a tour title to his European Championship success this weekend.

In contrast, the Warsaw-based thrower now harbours ambitions of completing a Euro Tour hat-trick, his most recent triumph having come on German soil three years prior.

The statistical disparity told a compelling story, with the Pole outperforming his opponent by a significant margin in the averages and maintaining a slight but telling edge on the outer ring.

Awaiting Ratajski in the latter stages is the other Smith of far greater global renown – former World Champion Michael Smith.

Bully Boy remains the sole competitor left in the field to have previously lifted the German Darts Grand Prix trophy, and after overcoming Niko Springer, he edges ever closer to replicating that achievement. Four legs in, and with the St Helens man monopolising all of them, the task facing Meenzur Bub appeared increasingly insurmountable.

Springer did summon admirable resolve and attempted to mount a resurgence, but ultimately the ascent proved too steep.Following the Dutch double act of Zonneveld and Doets securing their places in the evening session, the Kultulhalle Zenith faithful witnessed their nation’s aspirations dissipate as Nathan Aspinall dispatched German number one Martin Schindler with minimal resistance.

In summary, despite ongoing discussions surrounding his inconsistency on the outer ring, The Asp produced a controlled and efficient performance to ease past an opponent who never truly found his rhythm.

Standing in the Mancunian’s path next is fellow former UK Open champion Andrew Gilding, who is capitalising emphatically on his pre-weekend reserve list inclusion. Up against William O’Connor, Goldfinger afforded the Irishman scarcely a moment to acclimatise, surging into a commanding and authoritative 4-0 lead. Mere minutes later, the task was emphatically complete, and Gilding – trademark boots and all – marches imperiously onward into the quarter-finals.

2026 GERMAN DARTS GRAND PRIX (EVENT FOUR)

Munich, Germany (4-6 April)

Monday Afternoon Session – Round Three

Danny Noppert 6-2 Karel Sedlacek

Jonny Clayton 6-4 Kim Huybrechts

Krzysztof Ratajski 6-4 Ross Smith

Michael Smith 6-4 Niko Springer

Niels Zonnerveld 6-5 Josh Rock

Kevin Doets 6-5 Dirk van Duijvenbode

Nathan Aspinall 6-2 Martin Schindler

William O’Connor v Andrew Gilding

Monday Evening Session – Quarter-Finals

Danny Noppert v Jonny Clayton

Krzysztof Ratajski v Michael Smith

Niels Zonnerveld v Kevin Doets

Nathan Aspinall v Andrew Gilding

—–Emds—–

Images: PDC Europe

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Simon, who entered the finale having won Group C on Thursday and Friday, began the night by winning just one of his two group phase matches, as he firstly defeated William Borland before suffering a defeat to Steve West. However, ‘The Mirror Man’ did progress through to the Semi Finals, where he came up against Jarred Cole and from there, Stevenson defeated his compatriot, 4-1, to book his place in the final.  

WATCH MODUS SUPER SERIES PLUTO TV ON YOUR FAVOURITES DEVICES   

In the decider, Stevenson came up against Ben Robb, who’d defeated Steve West in the last four, and it was the 54-year-old Englishman who came out on top as Stevenson defeated the New Zealander, 4-1, to seal his place in Champions Week as well as collecting the £5,000 first prize.  

The MODUS Super Series returns on Monday with the start of Week 12, with the first of three days of Group A commencing, with the field including the likes of Alex Spellman, David Munyua and Jamai Van den Herik. 

Play will be streamed on Pluto TV with highlights and other coverage on the MODUS Super Series YouTube channel, or via various bookmaker’ websites worldwide.  

Check out Darts World’s MODUS Super Series Hall of Fame for the personalities and history of this event.

MODUS Super Series Darts – Week 11 

Finale- Saturday 4^th April 

Group One 

Ben Robb 4-3 Jarred Cole 

Jarred Cole 4-3 Keegan Brown  

Ben Robb 4-1 Keegan Brown  

Group Two 

William Borland 4-3 Steve West  

Simon Stevenson 4-2 William Borland 

Steve West 4-3 Simon Stevenson  

Semi Finals 

Ben Robb 4-1 Steve West  

Simon Stevenson 4-1 Jarred Cole 

Final 

Simon Stevenson 4-1 Ben Robb 

—–ENDS—–

Images: PDC

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Returning to Huybrechts, his performance served as an unequivocal declaration of intent, emphatically underlining his credentials as a genuinely formidable and resurgent contender for the German Darts Grand Prix crown.

It has been well over a decade since the Belgian secured the second of his two career Euro Tour triumphs – fittingly, also on German soil – and the manner in which Huybrechts clinically dismantled Woody with such ruthless efficiency indicates that he may be primed for a long-overdue resurgence.

With a constellation of elite names absent from the draw, the landscape is ripe for opportunists to seize their moment. Northern Ireland World Cup winner Josh Rock was embroiled in arguably the highest-calibre encounter of the tournament so far, overcoming Ryan Joyce in a scintillating and high-octane affair.

Both protagonists operated at a blistering three-figure average, yet with the contest delicately poised at 4-4, it was The Antrim Ace who accelerated decisively towards the finishing line. Rocky now advances to face the effervescent Niels Zonneveld, who continues to sparkle on this season’s Euro Tour.

Speaking of in-form Dutchmen, Kevin Doets unquestionably belongs within that distinguished bracket alongside Triple Z. Mounting a stirring comeback from 5-3 down against a player of James Wade’s pedigree and vast experience only further underscores the notion that Hawkeye is a competitor very much on an upward trajectory.

Igniting his resurgence with a second Big Fish checkout of the weekend, Doets broke throw before demonstrating admirable composure to close out the contest, setting up an all-Dutch showdown with Dirk van Duijvenbode on Monday afternoon.

Attention then pivoted to the commencement of the German charge, with the four remaining home representatives appearing in consecutive encounters.

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First to the oche was qualifier Marcel Hausotter, tasked with confronting the vastly decorated and multi-major-winning Jonny Clayton. What followed came perilously close to producing a seismic upset, as the relatively unheralded German pushed his illustrious opponent to a dramatic last-leg decider.

An inspired Hausotter – buoyed by his previous-round triumph over Dutch icon Raymond van Barneveld – went toe-to-toe with The Ferret, matching the Welshman with remarkable composure and conviction. With the enthralling contest finely balanced at 5-5, Clayton unearthed the only break of throw in the match to scrape through. For a fleeting, tantalising moment amidst the chaos, a potential fairytale threatened to swell even further, with Hausotter venturing seven darts deep into a magical nine-darter.

Post-match, ever the consummate professional, Jonny Clayton was effusive in his praise, offering generous commendation towards his opponent while acknowledging that a similarly arduous examination may await him against Kim Huybrechts in round three.

Next up was German representative number two, the prodigiously talented Niko Springer, who faced an equally formidable examination against reigning champion Michael van Gerwen. If the crowd had been enthused by Hausotter’s valiant display, they were sent into rapturous euphoria as the Mainz-born youngster emphatically dismantled The Green Machine in a performance of breathtaking authority. That result leaves Michael Smith as the sole remaining former champion in the field – and the very man Springer will now confront.

FULL DETAILS WITH DARTSDATABASE: FROM LIVE SCORES TO GRANULAR HISTORIC DATA

Meanwhile, it was another chapter of travel tribulations for Nathan Aspinall, who seemingly endured as much frustration reaching Munich as he did in his recent logistical odyssey to Wieze. Nevertheless, The Asp once again demonstrated his trademark resilience, edging Ricardo Pietreczko in a last-leg decider.Having observed Pietreczko labour through his opening match – scraping past Ian White with a sub-80 average – it appeared improbable that he would pose a significant threat.

Yet, in true darting fashion, the German number two recalibrated impressively, finding himself poised on the bullseye for a scarcely believable victory.Agonisingly for Pikachu, the dart strayed from its intended destination, and at 5-4 down in a race to six, there are few fewer forgiving pursuers than Nathan Aspinall.

The two-time major champion duly capitalised, levelling the contest before breaking throw to secure progression and set up a clash with the victor of the ensuing encounter.

Without any extravagant pyrotechnics or ostentatious fireworks, Nathan Aspinall’s next assignment materialised in the form of the other half of Germany’s recent World Cup pairing, Martin Schindler.

The Wall ultimately negotiated safe passage past Brendan Dolan, finally overcoming the obstinate resistance of The History Maker to join Niko Springer in carrying the weight of home nation expectation.Then, to complete round two and draw Sunday’s action to a compelling conclusion, yet another seed was sent crashing out – and in Gian van Veen, it was the most significant casualty of them all, dispatched by William O’Connor.

Immense credit must be afforded to The Magpie, who swooped with clinical precision and, through a composed and ruthlessly efficient display on the outer ring, secured a thoroughly memorable victory over the world number three.

Awaiting him next is Andrew Gilding, in a contest that positively radiates opportunity for both protagonists.As we approach the final day of action at this year’s German Darts Grand Prix, the tournament landscape remains tantalisingly wide open.

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Unless Michael Smith navigates his way to ultimate glory, we are guaranteed a brand-new name etched onto the event’s roll of honour. Nine different nations remain represented, with England and the Netherlands commanding the largest share of the remaining field, boasting four players apiece.

2026 GERMAN DARTS GRAND PRIX (EVENT FOUR)

Munich, Germany (4-6 April)

Sunday Afternoon Session – Round Two

Ross Smith 6-2 Patrick Kovacs

Niels Zonneveld 6-1 Jermaine Wattimena

Karel Sedlacek 6-2 Damon Heta

Andrew Gilding 6-5 Daryl Gurney

Krzysztof Ratajski 6-5 Ryan Searle

Danny Noppert 6-5 Ritchie Edhouse

Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-5 Mike De Decker

Michael Smith 6-5 Dave Chisnall

Sunday Evening Session – Round Two

Kim Huybrechts 6-1 Luke Woodhouse

Josh Rock 6-4 Ryan Joyce

Kevin Doets 6-5 James Wade

Jonny Clayton 6-5 Marcel Hausotter

Niko Springer 6-1 Michael van Gerwen

Nathan Aspinall 6-5 Ricardo Pietreczko

Martin Schindler 6-4 Brendan Dolan

William O’Connor 6-2 Gian van Veen

Monday Afternoon Session – Round Three

William O’Connor v Andrew Gilding

Nathan Aspinall v Martin Schindler

Kevin Doets v Dirk van Duijvenbode

Josh Rock v Niels Zonnerveld

Niko Springer v Michael Smith

Krzysztof Ratajski v Ross Smith

Jonny Clayton v Kim Huybrechts

Danny Noppert v Karel Sedlacek

—–Ends—–

Images: PDC Europe

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The post PDC German Darts Grand Prix: Huybrechts Hammers Woodhouse appeared first on Darts World Magazine.

For over a decade, Cullen resided comfortably within the world’s top 32 – an achievement that, in isolation, demands admiration for its durability, resilience, and sustained excellence. Add to that his crowning moment at the 2022 Masters, where he ascended to the status of major television champion, and the résumé begins to reflect a player of genuine pedigree. Yet, despite these credentials, the Rockstar continues to exist in a peculiar space of underappreciation, his accomplishments often acknowledged but rarely celebrated with the reverence afforded to others.

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In many respects, Cullen’s career mirrors that of James Wade – a player whose longevity and relentless consistency have similarly been taken for granted. While his trophy cabinet may not possess the same opulent sheen as The Machine’s, it is nonetheless decorated with a commendable collection of titles which aside from that famous Maters triumph, include nine Players Championship victories and three Euro Tour triumphs. Beyond the silverware, there exists a catalogue of deep, hard-fought runs across the PDC’s most prestigious events – evidence of a player perpetually orbiting the sport’s upper echelons.

Consistency, that most understated yet invaluable of attributes, is perhaps Cullen’s defining characteristic. It is the invisible thread that has woven his career together, enabling him to remain relevant in an era where the standard of competition has reached unprecedented heights. And yet, paradoxically, it is this very steadiness that may have contributed to his underappreciation – a lack of flamboyant dominance often overshadowed by more explosive narratives.

DARTS ROCKSTAR GUILTY OF SELF CRITISISM?

Cullen himself has been candid, even self-critical, acknowledging periods where his application may not have matched his natural ability. Such honesty only adds further intrigue to his career, suggesting that his achievements, impressive as they are, may represent merely a fraction of his full potential.

MORE ELITE DARTS COVERAGE: Check Out Our Devoted PDC Area

Perhaps the most agonising chapter in his story came in the 2022 Premier League final, where a solitary missed dart against Michael van Gerwen denied him what would have been a transformative title. Such moments, defined by the finest of margins, often shape legacies in profound ways.

Yet even without that crowning glory, Cullen’s sustained relevance across an entire decade is a testament to both his ability and character. In a modern era saturated with extraordinary talent, to remain competitive, to win, and to endure, is no small feat.

FULL DETAILS WITH DARTSDATABASE: FROM LIVE SCORES TO GRANULAR HISTORIC DATA

Still well shy of forty, the Bradford arrow-smith retains both the time and the capacity to further enrich an already impressive career – one that, in truth, deserves far greater acclaim. After all, he has the talent in bucketloads. 

—-ENDS—–

Images: PDC

Graphic: Winmau

The post Credit For Cullen: Darts’ Rock Star Should Be Appreciated appeared first on Darts World Magazine.

The post Credit For Cullen: Darts’ Rock Star Should Be Appreciated appeared first on Darts World Magazine.

For a sports person to be competitive, at the elite level, in the midst of their seventh decade is  incredibly rare. For that player to be in their fifth different decade of performance is rarer still. But for one to be crowned World Champion in a non age related category is surely unique?

Our winner worked her way up to the big one both over her entire career and even during last season. She started with a triumph in the North American desert – a title she has recently defended moved through claiming the England national singles crown before embarking on a series of quarter and semifinal places in most of the famed WDF opens around Europe.

Where her schedule allowed she dipped into the PDC Women’s Series and ran up a number of last eight finishes while spending an increasing percentage of her time and energy defending the very category of darts which she was travelling around the globe representing.

MORE ON WDF OR DETA HEDMAN? Check Out The DartsWorld AMATEUR Web Area

Finally, our winner returned to Lakeside where keen eyed fans thought they could see a steely glint in her eye, especially after she removed twice champion Suzuki in her opening stanza. 

From then on the 66-year old’s run to the World title saw her encounter differing generations, nationalities and experience levels and met each challenge with little fuss and without even needing another deciding set.

This sporting fairy tale seemed to have an extra frisson of natural justice making the story truly eternal.

Introducing The DartsWorld Awards 2025/26

DartsWorld has a half century worth of championing darts, its players, its achievements, and its progress across the globe. For a chunk of that time we have considered some slightly more formal acknowledgments in the vein of some annual awards.

In the end, talking about a project on the sidelines can go on forever without ever progressing unless an initial effort is made there is nothing to hone into a truly useful and celebratory tradition.

Our inaugural awards showcase nine awards that cover a wide spectrum of darting endeavours from the 2025/26 season that ended with the crowning of a new World Champion in January. 

FULL DETAILS WITH DARTSDATABASE: The 2025/26 season’s events in facts and stats

From the professional to the amateur, and from elite performance to charitable efforts we try to live up to our name.

In making our selection we do not lay claim to an open and democratic process, at least for the first outing. Instead we have asked those directly connected with DartsWorld. Players, writers, analysts and business leaders have chipped in nominations, award categories and eventual winners.

There are a few self imposed rules, but, somewhat like the pirates code, they are more a set of guidelines. The most important to explain any apparent outrage is that no player will be awarded more than one award each year – perhaps especially relevant with the above award.

We hope to develop the DW awards over time, they will be released earlier in each new year and may be part of an occasion, event or special issue – in the meantime we hope you enjoy the DartsWorld Awards 2025/26.

Watch closely on social media channels and here at the mothership dartsworld.com for the unveiling of the 9 inaugural winners . If you can’t wait then simply grab yourself a copy of DARTSWORLD 593 and enjoy!

—–ENDS—–

Images: DartsWorld Ltd / ADC

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Yet for the victor of the session’s opening uneventful encounter, Michael Smith, such theatrical embellishments will matter precisely not a jot.

As one of only two former champions in the field – with Michael van Gerwen unsurprisingly the other – Bullyboy will recognise that a far more accomplished and refined performance will be required if he is to reclaim this particular crown.

His victory over James Hurrell was, in truth, more functional than formidable.Calling a spade a spade, Hurrell’s mid-70s average was a country mile removed from anything resembling his optimal output. Consequently, even Smith operating at a level well south of the 90-mark proved more than sufficient to navigate proceedings with relative comfort, booking a second-round collision with fellow St Helens native sharpshooter Dave Chisnall.

MORE ELITE DARTS COVERAGE: Check Out Our Devoted PDC Area

The Titan, Dirk van Duijvenbode, arrived at the pulsating reverberations of his customary high-octane techno walk-on, a sonic onslaught befitting his combustible persona. However, while his display in dispatching Stephen Burton was perfectly credible, it lacked the same thunderous, metaphorical decibel levels that usually accompany the Dutchman to the oche.

That said, the Aubergenius gave a credible account of himself, more than enough to secure a meeting with Mike De Decker.

Elsewhere, after an agonising two-year drought, Brendan Dolan finally reacquainted himself with victory on the Euro Tour stage, edging past Cor Dekker in a gripping, nerve-shredding last-leg decider.

Trailing 2-0 in the embryonic stages, it appeared the Irishman’s barren spell would linger. Yet The History Maker is forged from sterner, more resilient material. He restored parity with commendable haste before engaging in a back-and-forth tussle with the Norwegian, ultimately snatching the contest in dramatic, heart-thumping fashion.

His reward is a decidedly unenviable assignment against Germany’s number one, Martin Schindler, on The Wall’s home soil.

It has been an emphatically impressive commencement to the campaign for Kevin Doets, who has already compiled a portfolio including two quarter-final appearances and a semi-final on the Players Championship circuit.

Against Sweden’s Anton Östlund, Hawkeye barely needed to engage top gear, cruising to a comprehensive whitewash victory. A crowd-pleasing Big Fish checkout only served to embellish the dominance, earning Doets a tantalising clash with James Wade on Sunday evening.

Then, for the second time on day one, the German faithful were afforded reason for surprising jubilant celebration, as another home nation qualifier claimed the scalp of a PDC major champion. This time, it was Marcel Hausotter who delivered the shock, toppling five-time World Champion and decorated Dutch icon, Raymond van Barneveld.

While this may not be the imperious Barney of yesteryear, the aura and legacy remain indelible. Following a promising uptick in form – highlighted by his strongest Players Championship run of the season in Leicester and subsequent qualification for the European Darts Grand Prix only a few days ago – it appeared van Barneveld’s fortunes might be undergoing a renaissance.

If that narrative held any weight, it was emphatically dismantled in Munich, where Hausotter produced a thoroughly meritorious victory. Should the German overcome Jonny Clayton in the next round, this triumph may soon become only his second most significant career win – a prospect that feels ambitious, if not borderline audacious.

Marking his 200th Euro Tour appearance in style, Kim Huybrechts once again proved a persistent thorn in the side of Snakebite, overcoming Peter Wright to set up a meeting with Luke Woodhouse. This contest descended into something of a break-laden anomaly, with more than half the legs going against the throw.

FULL DETAILS WITH DARTSDATABASE: FROM LIVE SCORES TO GRANULAR HISTORIC DATA

While the statistics suggested Wright was marginally more clinical on his doubling, the Belgian generated nearly three times as many opportunities on the outer ring. Coupled with vastly superior scoring power, it rendered Huybrechts a thoroughly deserving victor.

Penultimately, German number one Ricardo Pietreczko delivered a near-perfect embodiment of the phrase “winning ugly”, edging past Ian White in a laboured, attritional encounter that could scarcely be described as a classic. If Pikachu had been informed beforehand that a sub-80 average would suffice, it would likely have been met with incredulity.

Yet, largely owing to his opponent’s alarmingly lacklustre output, that improbable scenario materialised. It is difficult to envisage such a performance yielding further success, particularly with two-time PDC major champion Nathan Aspinall awaiting next.

Finally, bringing the evening session – and indeed the entirety of round one – to its conclusion, a guaranteed German victor was assured as Niko Springer faced compatriot and final home nation qualifier Jan Schmidt.

With the incentive of a second-round encounter against Michael van Gerwen dangling enticingly like a particularly perilous carrot from the rafters of the Kulturhalle Zenith, the stakes were both alluring and ominous in equal measure.

Naturally, the reigning Hungarian Darts Trophy champion Niko Springer entered proceedings as the overwhelming bookmakers’ favourite to secure a Sunday evening rendezvous with Michael van Gerwen.

And while that expectation ultimately materialised, it was far from a routine procession, requiring a decisive and nerveless break of throw in the final leg from Meenzur Bub to finally get the job done.And so, that draws a line under the opening day’s action. In terms of sheer quality, this particular instalment is unlikely to be immortalised within the Euro Tour archives.

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However, if one subscribes to the comforting logic of sporting equilibrium, then Sunday – by the unrelenting law of averages – should provide a far more elevated and compelling spectacle.

2026 GERMAN DARTS GRAND PRIX (EVENT FOUR)

Munich, Germany (4-6 April)

Saturday Afternoon Session – Round One

William O’Connor 6-2 Sebastian Bialecki

Ryan Joyce 6-1 Finn Behrens

Krzysztof Ratajski 6-3 Thomas Lovely

Niels Zonneveld 6-3 Adam Lipscombe

Karel Sedlacek 6-4 Cameron Menzies

Ritchie Edhouse 6-3 Kevin Troppmann

Andrew Gilding 6-4 Wessel Nijman

Patrik Kovacs 6-3 Joe Cullen

Saturday Evening Session – Round One

Michael Smith 6-2 James Hurrell

Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-2 Stephen Burton

Brendan Dolan 6-5 Cor Dekker

Kevin Doets 6-0 Anton Ostlund

Marcel Hausotter 6-4 Raymond van Barneveld

Kim Huybrechts 6-3 Peter Wrigh

tRicardo Pietreczko 6-5 Ian White

Niko Springer 6-5 Jan Schmidt

Sunday Afternoon Session – Round Two

Ross Smith v Patrick Kovacs

Jermaine Wattimena v Niels Zonneveld

Damon Heta v Karel Sedlacek

Daryl Gurney v Andrew Gilding

Ryan Searle v Krzysztof Ratajski

Danny Noppert v Ritchie Edhouse

Mike De Decker v Dirk van Duijvenbode

Dave Chisnall v Michael Smith

Sunday Evening Session – Round Two

Luke Woodhouse v Kim Huybrechts

Josh Rock v Ryan Joyce

James Wade v Kevin Doets

Jonny Clayton v Marcel Hausotter

Michael van Gerwen v Niko Springer

Nathan Aspinall v Ricardo Pietreczko

Martin Schindler v Brendan Dolan

Gian van Veen v William O’Connor

—-Ends—–

Images: “Sebastian Doppstadt/PDC Europe”

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With half a dozen seeds electing against travelling to Munich – including reigning World Champion Luke Littler and two-time winner of this very event, Luke Humphries – the door now swings conspicuously wider for others to seize a golden opportunity to etch their mark.

Ever-present on the Euro Tour this year, William O’Connor was the first on Saturday afternoon to secure his place in round two with a composed and authoritative victory over promising young Pole Sebastian Bialecki, punctuated by a majestic Big Fish checkout along the way.

MORE ELITE DARTS COVERAGE: Check Out Our Devoted PDC Area

The Irishman’s reward is a compelling encounter with the highest-ranked player in the field, Gian van Veen.

Last season’s European Darts Trophy runner-up Ryan Joyce also remains firmly on course for that elusive maiden continental crown, dispatching home nation qualifier Finn Behrens with consummate efficiency. Relentless, however, will almost certainly face a far sterner examination when he locks horns with Josh Rock in his next outing.

There was eventually cause for celebration for Poland this afternoon, as the nation’s number one Krzysztof Ratajski negotiated the threat posed by Thomas Lovely, thereby earning himself a meeting with Ryan Searle in what promises to be a finely balanced affair.

Someone currently revelling in life on the European circuit is Niels Zonneveld. The Dutchman, who has reached the semi-finals in each of the last two tournaments, continued his impressive trajectory by overcoming Adam Lipscombe and will now harbour aspirations of another deep and meaningful run. A meeting with compatriot Jermaine Wattimena awaits.

The Czech Republic will also be represented on Sunday after Karel Sedlacek demonstrated admirable resilience, recovering from an early 2-0 deficit to defeat Cameron Menzies. Evil Charlie has yet to progress beyond the quarter-final stage on the Euro Tour duty, having exited at that juncture on three previous occasions.

However, with several marquee names absent, this could represent a particularly auspicious opportunity for Sedlacek – although 2022 Gibraltar Darts Trophy champion Damon Heta, his next opponent, will undoubtedly be harbouring identical ambitions.

Essex thrower Ritchie Edhouse delivered a polished and emphatically clinical performance, including a barrage of five maximums, as he dispatched another home nation qualifier, Kevin Troppmann, with considerable authority.

The former European Champion will now set his sights on Dutch major winner Danny Noppert.

Reserve list beneficiary Andrew Gilding maximised his expected inclusion with a hard-fought victory over the high-flying Wessel Nijman, advancing to round two where he will meet Daryl Gurney.

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The 25-year-old Dutchman has exploded out of the blocks in 2026, securing two Players Championship titles alongside a maiden Euro Tour triumph. However, he was unable to fully recover from a 3-0 deficit against Goldfinger, who remained resolute to produce a notable upset.

Then, bringing the curtain down on the tournament’s opening session, three-time Euro Tour champion Joe Cullen became the unfortunate and wholly unexpected casualty of the day’s most seismic upset, succumbing to Eastern European entrant Patrik Kovacs. Having established an early foothold by claiming the opening two legs, it appeared to be little more than a routine, workmanlike assignment for Cullen.

However, full credit must be afforded to the Hungarian, who exhibited admirable tenacity, digging deep and capitalising on his otherwise illustrious opponent’s uncharacteristically substandard display.It is Kovacs – the man intriguingly nicknamed The Planner – who now advances, pencilling in a compelling second-round engagement with Ross Smith.

It is a high-calibre evening line-up that lies in wait, featuring a trio of former PDC World Champions. Michael Smith, Bully Boy, opens proceedings against James Hurrell. Dutch darting icon Raymond van Barneveld faces one of the remaining home nation qualifiers in Marcel Hausotter.

FULL DETAILS WITH DARTSDATABASE: FROM LIVE SCORES TO GRANULAR HISTORIC DATA

Meanwhile, Snakebite Peter Wright takes on Kim Huybrechts in what promises to be a particularly tantalising encounter.

2026 GERMAN DARTS GRAND PRIX (EVENT FOUR)

Munich, Germany (4-6 April)

Saturday Afternoon Session – Round One

William O’Connor 6-2 Sebastian Bialecki

Ryan Joyce 6-1 Finn Behrens

Krzysztof Ratajski 6-3 Thomas Lovely

Niels Zonneveld 6-3 Adam Lipscombe

Karel Sedlacek 6-4 Cameron Menzies

Ritchie Edhouse 6-3 Kevin Troppmann

Andrew Gilding 6-4 Wessel Nijman

Patrik Kovacs 6-3 Joe Cullen

Saturday Evening Session – Round One

Michael Smith v James Hurrell

Dirk van Duijvenbode v Stephen Burton

Brendan Dolan v Cor Dekker

Kevin Doets v Anton Ostlund

Raymond van Barneveld v Marcel Hausotter

Peter Wright v Kim Huybrechts

Ricardo Pietreczko v Ian White

Niko Springer v Jan Schmidt

Sunday Afternoon Session – Round Two

Ross Smith v Patrick Kovacs

Jermaine Wattimena v Niels Zonneveld

Damon Heta v Karel Sedlacek

Daryl Gurney v Andrew Gilding

Ryan Searle v Krzysztof Ratajski

Danny Noppert v Ritchie Edhouse

Mike De Decker v van Duijvenbode/Burton

Dave Chisnall v M Smith/Hurrell

Sunday Evening Session – Round Two

Luke Woodhouse v Wright/Huybrechts

Josh Rock v Ryan Joyce

James Wade v Doets/Ostlund

Jonny Clayton v van Barneveld/Hausotter

Michael van Gerwen v Springer/Schmidt

Nathan Aspinall v Pietreczko/White

Martin Schindler v Dolan/Dekker

Gian van Veen v William O’Connor

—–Ends—–

Images: PDC Europe

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