“I don’t want to talk about it” – Premier League snub still stings for Danny Noppert

Danny Noppert has made an excellent start to the World Series season. At the Bahrain Darts Masters, the Dutchman claimed a 6-1 win over Basem Mahmood, not only starting the year strongly in sporting terms but also immediately showing his mindset for the new darts season.

Although his game was not consistently brilliant, Noppert once again showed why he is regarded as one of the steadiest players on the PDC circuit. With realism, ambition, and clear enjoyment of the game, he is already looking ahead to a season in which he wants to challenge for the big titles again.

“At the beginning I was not playing brilliant,” Noppert admitted afterwards. “But at the end the 180s came and it was a little bit better.”

The match also had an unusual rhythm, largely because of his opponent’s style. “He’s not the quickest player in the world,” Noppert said. “So I needed to keep my focus.”

Even so, he spoke respectfully about Mahmood, who hit a maximum and won a leg to entertain the home crowd. “He hit a 180 and won one leg, so he gave the crowd what they wanted.”

The win in Bahrain was extra special because Noppert had only recently been told he would be part of two World Series events. He accepted that invitation eagerly. “Of course I take every opportunity when the PDC invite me,” he said. “That’s why I’m here. I like to play, and it’s a different kind of country, and I’m really pleased to be here.”

That international setting is something Noppert clearly enjoys. While some players see the World Series mainly as preparation or a chance to experiment, the Dutchman approaches every appearance with full commitment. “We are all different kinds of persons,” he explained. “I enjoy every moment when I’m on stage. I want to give my best. Maybe today it was not my best game, but I tried my best. I played against a difficult player, not the fastest one, so I needed to keep my focus.”

One subject could not be avoided: the Premier League. Noppert did not hide his disappointment at missing out on a place in the eight. “Yeah, I am a little bit disappointed of course,” he said. “I think I’m a really steady player, what I showed everyone this year.”

Still, he was clear that he does not want to dwell on it. “I don’t want to talk too much about it because I focus on the new season, new moments. I’m really looking forward to every tournament. I enjoy every tournament. The line-up is already done, so I don’t want to talk too much about it.”

That choice to look forward rather than back sums him up. He sees the situation not as a setback, but as fuel. “Yeah, of course. I’m really motivated,” he said. “I want to go better and better all the time. What I did last year, hopefully this year will be the same or maybe even better.”

Last season, Noppert reached several big semi-finals but was unable to turn those deep runs into trophies. The question of what is still missing is one he has clearly thought about. “In the longer format games, I played Luke Littler a few times and at the end he made the key moments, the good finishes, and he kept going,” Noppert said. “In longer format games I have to focus on that.”

Starting matches well also plays a part. In Bahrain, he began slowly, something he recognises from other events too. “Every tournament is different,” he said. “But I think I can reach that level in the future. If I do my best all the time, I can reach it.”

Another talking point was the shifting balance in Dutch darts. Gian van Veen is now the new Dutch number one, having overtaken Michael van Gerwen in the world rankings. For Noppert, that is a reason for praise rather than jealousy. “What he did at the World Championship is fantastic,” he said. “He is a good friend of me, so he deserves it.”

He played down any idea of rivalry. “He is a good friend of me and he deserves to be Dutch number one. We are not rivals anymore. In the beginning a little bit, but now no.”

Looking ahead to the World Cup of Darts, he sees opportunity. “I fight to get number two for the World Cup,” he said. “We are good friends, so we will see what happens.”

Looking back at the last World Championship, one match still hurts: his defeat to Justin Hood, a game in which he hit several big finishes but still lost. “First thing you think is why it happened to me,” Noppert said. “He is a phenomenal player and can be big in the future. I met him at the wrong time.”

There was one moment he cannot forget. “I was really disappointed I missed the 128 finish on double 10. That was a moment where I could have won the game.”

Even so, he keeps it in perspective. “Sometimes you almost couldn’t have done more,” he said.

What stands out most about Danny Noppert is how much he still enjoys what he does. Whether it is a big TV tournament or a ProTour event, his attitude is the same.

“I really enjoy every moment,” he said. “This is my eighth year now. ProTours, European Tours, I like everything. I enjoy every moment.”