"I can’t say I don’t want to be number 1 in the world" - Danny Noppert sets sights on another major title after impressive World Matchplay opener

Danny Noppert has made a strong start to his 2025 World Matchplay campaign, with a dominant 10–2 victory over debutant Cameron Menzies on opening night. Speaking to Dartsnews afterwards, the Dutchman declared himself “really happy” with both his game and his position in the sport.

The 2022 semi-finalist stormed into a 7–0 lead against an out-of-sorts Menzies, who endured a nightmare debut at the Winter Gardens — including a calamitous bust of 178 in the fourth leg. Noppert remained composed throughout, punishing his opponent’s struggles to seal a convincing win and book his place in round two.

Reflecting on his performance, Noppert described it as “steady” and consistent with how he’s been playing in recent weeks. “I think my performance was steady, like what I did the last couple of weeks. I think I performed well,” he said.

The Dutchman came into the tournament off the back of strong showings on the European Tour, where he was averaging around the 100 mark. That form, he says, gave him confidence heading into Blackpool. “The last couple of weeks I’ve played good stuff, around a 100 average. It’s where you want to be,” Noppert explained. “Today was a little bit easier than I expected.”

With Menzies unable to mount much of a challenge, Noppert was asked how difficult it was to maintain focus in such a one-sided match. “I'm always thinking, never give up. Even when I’m 8–0, 10–0, or 9–0 in front, the opponent can still be a good player. The game finishes when the match is done and you miss.”

Currently ranked just inside the world’s top 16, Noppert has been a fixture in the higher reaches of the Order of Merit for several years — but he’s hungry for more. “I've been number seven in the world. I have to win tournaments like this, or big TV tournaments, to get back to what I can do,” he said. “It’s been three years since the UK Open — that’s why I was number seven. I’m really pleased with the way I’m playing at the moment. I like the players I have around me.”

Asked whether now is the time to take the next step and land another major, Noppert was clear: “If I want to make steps, of course I have to win a major again. Otherwise, I’ll stay around the level I’m at now — around 16.”

But there’s no sign of frustration — far from it. “No, not frustrating. I’m really happy with my performance and what I do. I’ve been a professional player for seven years now. My family is happy, and I’m really happy at the moment.”

While he stopped short of declaring himself a future world number one, the 33-year-old made clear he hasn’t lost any ambition. “Of course. I can’t say I don’t want to be number one in the world. I’m looking for it.”

There’s another Dutch storyline unfolding this week in Blackpool, with Michael van Gerwen set to face Raymond van Barneveld in a high-profile first-round clash. Noppert gave a candid view on the meeting of two giants of Dutch darts. “I don’t know. I think Raymond is not in the best part of his career at the moment. Michael also has a few problems. I think Michael will win.”

As for his own display against Menzies, Noppert was satisfied with how he got the job done. “Like I said before, the whole game I was just finding myself, like what I’ve been doing the last couple of weeks. Even if you’re 8–0 or 5–0 in front, you want to win, because everyone can win legs back-to-back.”

He also praised the unique atmosphere of the Winter Gardens, a venue steeped in darts history. “This is a nice atmosphere here. It’s really close to the stage. It’s small, but it’s wide. When you throw a 180, you can feel the 180.”

Despite his success on TV and a major title already to his name, Noppert admitted he didn’t grow up dreaming of Blackpool glory — mainly because he didn’t know much about the event. “No, not really. I only watched the World Championships before — like when Raymond won, and Phil Taylor won a lot. So I’m not surprised to discover something like this. I’m really pleased to play here. The best players in the world are here — top 32."

Although some fans and pundits see Noppert as a potential Premier League or World Series pick, the man himself is taking things as they come. “Before, I had [that ambition]. Now? Not really,” he admitted. “I had before, but at the moment — no.”

So could a good run in Blackpool reignite that dream? “Nobody knows.”