“He was high on my list of tough names” – Wessel Nijman handed a tough opening test at the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship

Wessel Nijman has landed one of the toughest draws of any Dutch player at the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship. The 25-year-old from Uitgeest will face the experienced Czech Karel Sedlacek in the first round, a player with plenty of stage pedigree at Alexandra Palace. Speaking to Viaplay, Nijman reacted to drawing ‘Evil Charlie’.

In the studio, the pundits joked that Nijman would wipe Sedláček aside in three straight sets. Nijman himself wasn’t quite so breezy. “That’s a very optimistic take, I’d say,” he replied with a smile. “I don’t think it’s necessarily an easy draw. There were definitely a few other players I’d have preferred.”

The Dutchman watched the draw closely and had one specific number he didn’t want to see. “I was watching downstairs and I said: please not ball 90, because that’s Beau Greaves. Then Sedláček came out. He was also high on my list of players I didn’t really want.”

And why? “He’s a very experienced guy who can play really well. But even so, I still think I’m the favourite. If I take my chances, I can win that match.”

The analysts agreed: Sedláček is not someone to be taken lightly. “We’ve talked all year about Niko Springer being the breakout player. But Sedláček won back his Tour Card this year as well. Looking at all the possible draws, this definitely isn’t the easiest for Wessel.”

They also warned him: “You really can’t underestimate him.” Nijman nodded: “I know. Last year we had exactly the same thing with that South African. You think: South African qualifier, should be manageable. But he could really play.”

Still, confidence is the overriding theme for Nijman after a strong season. The studio put it plainly: “You’ve had a fantastic year. Why shouldn’t you go deep at this World Championship?”

Nijman responded dryly: “I’ve no idea. I thought you were the experts,” he concluded.