"I just want to play all the majors, hopefully the Grand Slam as well": Red-hot Niels Zonneveld sets main goal after Rock win

Niels Zonneveld has underlined his strong European Tour form once again with a hard-fought win over Josh Rock at the German Darts Grand Prix. In Munich, the Dutchman edged it 6-5 and booked his place in the final session for the third time in a row.

The victory did not come easily. Rock showed why he is among the best on tour and kept Zonneveld under constant pressure. Still, the Dutchman stood firm in the decisive phase, finding a timely surge when it mattered at the German Darts Grand Prix.

“To be honest, in the last leg I thought, ‘Okay, just be at your best, otherwise you lose,’” Zonneveld reflected to DartsNews after his narrow win over Rock.

“He was playing fantastic, so fair play to him, of course he’s a great player. But today I was here for myself, and I won it in the end. That gives me so much confidence.”

With his third consecutive quarter-final on the Euro Tour, Zonneveld confirms his recent results are no fluke. The Dutchman is clearly growing into his role at the highest level and looks more assured on the oche.

“I’m feeling really great, man. It’s brilliant, to be honest,” he said afterwards. “Three times in a row in the final session, so it’s good. I’m much more confident now and I hope I can get through tonight.”

According to Zonneveld, this development is no coincidence. The foundation for his current form lies away from the stage, where he has made clear choices in recent months.

“My family life is really stable at the moment. My home situation is really good,” he explained. “I practise more than I did before, more in structured sessions, like three times one-and-a-half hours a day. I think that really helps me because I need it. I’m not the kind of player who can not play for two weeks and then just go up and average 110. This is what I need to do, and now it’s paying off.”

Zonneveld’s rise is also impacting his position in the world rankings. The Dutchman is closing in on the places that grant entry to the biggest events, something he is actively targeting.

“Like you said, qualifying for the World Matchplay, the World Grand Prix, and the European Championship,” he listed his goals. “Of course, the Worlds is always a goal, but with the prize money right now it’s maybe a bit overrated, but fair play.”

His ambitions are clear but remain realistic. Zonneveld is initially aiming for regular appearances at the majors. “I just want to play all the majors, hopefully the Grand Slam as well. That’s the main goal I have. If I achieve that, I’ll be a really happy man, and hopefully I can win a match there as well.”