"Do you think I have an argument with my money?" - Van der Voort questions Van Dongen's decision to play in recent events

Vincent van der Voort expressed his admiration for Wessel Nijman's mental resilience in a recent episode of the Darts Draait Door podcast. The 25-year-old talent had a disappointing performance at the European Championship, but recovered handsomely by quickly winning a Players Championship and re-qualifying for the Grand Slam of Darts. Van der Voort, who himself reached lofty heights in the past as a pro darts player, is impressed with the way Nijman has handled his setback.

"When you lose like that the week before, with missed match darts ... you feel yourself giving it away completely. Your ego gets quite a tick from that." Van der Voort stressed that it was all the more galling that Nijman recovered quickly and even emerged victorious in the Players Championship. "Then you can only say, 'Hats off.' It's really clever that he came back from that so quickly." According to the analyst, this demonstrates a healthy mental attitude needed to perform at the top of darts.

Van der Voort says there are different types of players when it comes to mental strength. "One is strong during matches and can still make changes on the spot, the other is just good at processing losses after the match." It seems Nijman belongs to the latter category, as he is quick to put his losses aside and focus on the next tournament. "It looks like he is good at the latter: putting it aside and moving on to the next tournament."

After his handsome victory at Players Championship 34 and his qualification for the Grand Slam of Darts, where he will once again get his chance to shine, Van der Voort is confident about Nijman's future. "He throws fantastic. Almost all the averages were above 100, then you are seriously good." Still, Van der Voort emphasises that Nijman must be able to maintain this level in the bigger stage matches. "Now he still has to do it at the moments that matter during podium matches. We're going to see that again at the Grand Slam."

In the same podcast, Van der Voort also talks about Jules van Dongen, whose career progress is uncertain. Van Dongen, who has not reached his highest level for some time, recently traded in his throwing arm for his other hand, but has not managed to win a leg in any tournament since the switch.

"It was scary again," Van der Voort said. "If I were him, I wouldn't have done it. Why throw anymore when this is the level? It's very unfortunate for him, because we know what he can do, but if you don't throw that level anymore, why would you come all the way from America to throw a few more tournaments?" Van der Voort is clearly critical of Van Dongen's situation and wonders if this is an appropriate farewell to a player who once pitched high.

"His highest average was seventy. That's it, then. Is that saying goodbye with your head held high? If he thinks so, of course I think so too. Fine. Everyone is responsible for his own career. How he wants it, he has to know for himself." Still, Van der Voort states that he personally would not have persevered in Van Dongen's situation, but does respect the American's choice. "If I had to do this, I would say you're no good. Do you think I have a quarrel with my money? I wouldn't have done it."

Although Van der Voort himself doubts the success of switching pitching arms, he does not rule out the possibility that Van Dongen can still prove him right. "Maybe he can prove us wrong, but I don't think you will ever get as good as with your other hand," he said. Above all, Van der Voort hopes Van Dongen will enjoy the sport again. "Above all, it is to be hoped that he regains pleasure in what he does," he said.