“Going to do everything I can to be there”: Vincent van der Voort eyes Ally Pally comeback

Eight months after his provisional retirement, Vincent van der Voort is returning to the spotlight. Indeed, the 49-year-old North Hollander has confirmed that he is going full for qualification for the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, inspired by the new PDC criteria. The tournament at Alexandra Palace will be bigger than ever: 128 participants, and thus considerably more spots.

In the latest episode of the podcast Darts Draait Door, 'The Dutch Destroyer' explains why he is picking up his darts again. That's because the PDC is introducing an additional qualifying tournament exclusively for the Dutch and Belgians, the winner gets to go straight to the World Championship. "I will participate in that qualifier," Van der Voort said. "First I have to have a good talk with my feet and make sure the gout stays away, but then I'll be there."

Injuries and personal suffering - including the death of his sister - forced Van der Voort to take a break in November 2024. Chronic gout, back pain and other physical ailments seemed to end his career early. Appearances at the Seniors World Championship or in the Modus competition this year came too soon. Still, he now feels fit enough to take on the adventure again.

Van der Voort already praises the PDC for the extra World Championship chance: "All Dutch and Belgian players should be very happy with this." Where exactly the qualifying tournament will be held is as yet unknown. Podcast host Damian Vlottes tips Rosmalen, where several Players Championships have already taken place this year. Van der Voort likes that plan: "That's only an hour's drive for me. The PDC knows the venue, and they know how to put on a tournament like that."

With a quarterfinal finish at the 2011 World Championship as his best result, Van der Voort knows what it feels like to stand on the famous 'Ally Pally' stage. Now a somewhat unexpected comeback beckons. "I'm going to do everything I can to be there again this Christmas," he concludes combatively.