"I would like to walk away this year with a title. If not, then I won't be satisfied” - Kevin Doets eyes breakthrough win in Munich

Kevin Doets has taken an important step in his development at the highest level in Munich. The Dutchman reached the finals session of a Euro Tour event for the first time in his career by edging Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-5 in the last 16 of the German Darts Grand Prix.

For Doets, the win meant more than just a spot in the last eight. It was the confirmation of a trajectory in which he has steadily worked towards his breakthrough on the big stage in recent years. “Amazing, you know. I have fought for this for a couple of years now, and to be finally able to do it in this way is amazing,” Doets told DartsNews afterwards.

On stage, Doets stands out for his calm demeanour, something that sharply contrasts with the energy of opponent Van Duijvenbode. Yet the Dutchman was never influenced by it for a moment. “I don't really care who I play. If he's a cool character, if he is a very energetic character. I just try to play my own game, and I think I did it very well today.”

Away from the board, Doets also lets little in. While the crowd and his entourage visibly ride the emotions, the Dutchman shuts himself off completely during matches. “Ah, you know, I think that she does her thing, and I do my thing. Her cheering me on is not something I think about in the game itself,” he replied when asked how much he senses the support from the sidelines. “That's her thing, I do my thing, and it works for her, and it works for me.”

"I don't look at them, I don't listen to them," he adds. "I am on the stage doing my own thing, focussing on my own mind and I don't try to distract myself with anyone or anything else."

By making the quarterfinals, Doets underlines that he is progressing this season. Still, he sets the bar even higher for himself. “At least I would like to win a title. If it's the Players Championships or if it's the Euro Tour, I would like to walk away this year with a title,” he stated plainly. “If not, then I won't be satisfied.”

On Monday evening, Kevin Doets faces compatriot Niels Zonneveld in the quarterfinals of the German Darts Grand Prix.