“His mind games didn’t bother me at all” – Jermaine Wattimena dispatches Scott Williams en route to the third round

Jermaine Wattimena has booked his place in the third round of the 2026 World Darts Championship after a tough, intense battle. The Dutchman was pushed hard, had to dig deep, but ultimately edged out Scott Williams.

The match showcased not only his scoring power, but especially his mental resilience, composure on stage, and the development he has made in recent years.

Afterwards, Wattimena spoke at length about the match, his form, his position in the world rankings, and the changes he has implemented away from the stage.

The match had several phases in which the momentum swung back and forth. Wattimena acknowledged afterwards that both players pushed each other to the limit. “We really tested each other,” he reflected. “I tested him, he tested me. It was just a good match. He came back strong and I’m mainly very happy that I managed to pull it my way in the last set.”

Initially, Wattimena seemed to have control, but from the third set the pattern changed. His opponent started throwing with more freedom and showed he had enough power and scoring to get back into the contest. “I went in front and from that moment he started throwing more freely,” Wattimena analyzed. “He showed he had the level to come back, and that’s exactly what he did.”

The Dutchman’s response was matter-of-fact and effective. No panic, no frustration. “There’s only one good response then,” he said. “Take the last set.” That mindset proved decisive. With the match level at 2-2 and the psychology finely balanced, Wattimena stuck to his plan and sensed the pressure shifting onto his opponent.

Wattimena’s relaxed demeanor on stage stood out. In previous years he sometimes visibly wrestled with nerves, but this time he looked calm and in control. “Yes, I definitely felt relaxed,” he confirmed. “Maybe I put a bit too much pressure on myself in my first match, but in this one I felt really good.”

According to Wattimena, the match context also played a role. “Of course you want to win that first set. But after that you know it can go either way, because you’re playing someone who’s good too. That actually helps you put less pressure on yourself. We just played our match and did what we could.”

Attempts to disrupt his focus had little effect as well. Wattimena has known his opponent and his entourage for years and was not thrown off. “I’ve known him a very long time, I know his management and I speak to his manager regularly. He even helped me during a difficult period in my career. So no, I had no issue with that at all.”

With this win, Wattimena not only reached the third round, but also made an important move on the world rankings. Virtually, he is now up to 17th, just outside the coveted top 16. A milestone that did not go unnoticed, though the Dutchman remained notably grounded.

“Just keep going,” was his brief but powerful response. “That’s all I do.” While the ranking confirms his strong year, Wattimena tries not to dwell on it. “It’s nice to see, but ultimately it’s about one match at a time. If you look at the rankings too much, you get distracted.”

Still, the position does say something. He is now within touching distance of names like Gary Anderson, a potential next opponent and a two-time world champion. “If you’re that close to that level, it definitely says something,” Wattimena admitted. “But honestly, I’m not constantly thinking about it.”

Asked if he is currently playing the best darts of his career, Wattimena offered a nuanced answer. “I think this is my best year,” he said. “But the level itself can be even better. There’s still room to grow.” That hunger for improvement defines his approach. He knows he is on the right track, but refuses to sit back.

After Christmas, the third round awaits, and he is looking forward to it with confidence. “We’ll go for it again then,” he said with fighting spirit. For Wattimena, the Worlds are not only a stage to get results, but also to show how he has grown as a player: calmer, more mature, and more consistent.

A key part of that growth lies away from the stage. Wattimena spoke openly about his physical journey and its effect on his game. During the coronavirus period he lost more than thirty kilos in a short span, something that, in hindsight, happened too fast. “That was just way too quick,” he explained. “Your balance changes, you’re searching.”

He has since found a different approach. He has lost weight again, but now gradually and with guidance. “Now I’m a little over seven kilos down, but at a steady pace. That feels much better. My balance is better, everything feels better.”

With the help of multiple coaches, Wattimena is building his fitness carefully. “They make sure I don’t push too hard, but that I build it properly. I’m very grateful for that.” That physical stability translates to the oche, where his demeanor and timing look visibly more stable than before.