“If I don’t win a title this year, I’m not satisfied” – Kevin Doets sends clear message after strong start to season

Kevin Doets booked his place in the next round of the European Darts Grand Prix after a hard-fought win over fellow Dutchman Jurjen van der Velde. The performance underlined not only his quality, but also his ability to navigate difficult spells during a match.

With a solid victory and an average around 95, Doets was satisfied afterwards, but far from fully content with his display speaking with DartsNews.

“I think I was a bit up and down. I had really good moments and some less good moments, but overall I’m pretty satisfied. I think it was around a 95 average, and a 6-3 win against a good player like that, I’m happy,” Doets told Dartsnews.com.

Notably, Doets had beaten the same opponent just days earlier on the floor with a much higher average, but he placed little importance on that result heading into this stage meeting. “No, I don’t think so. A stage game is a lot different than a floor game,” he explained. “It doesn’t really matter when you play, I just try to play my own game.”

That grounded approach appears to be a key factor in his development. Despite some nerves, Doets managed to stay composed when it mattered. “I was a bit nervous to be honest, but I think I handled it quite well and I hit what I had to hit.”

An important learning experience earlier in the season came in Munich, where Doets reached his first semi-final on a long matchday. It proved physically and mentally demanding. “It was tiring. It was very tough. I’d never been in a semi-final on a long day like that before. Everyone always says it’s tough and it takes a lot of energy, and I noticed that.”

According to Doets, the biggest lesson was not about his level, but about managing the day around matches. “You really need to schedule your time well and that was the only thing I could have done better. I’m going to try to do that better this weekend.”

He has already adjusted his approach, particularly in how he manages his time between matches. “I think I was practicing too much last time in Munich. If I get that far again, I’m just going to take it easier, take my time to eat something and take my time to relax.”

Doets’ form this season offers clear encouragement for what lies ahead. With several strong results, including a recent floor quarter-final, his confidence continues to grow.

That is reflected in his ambitions. Doets has set himself a clear target for the year. “If I don’t win a title this year, I’m not satisfied, because the way I’m playing, even my B game right now is good. I feel confident, I feel ready for a title, and that’s what I’m aiming for.”

It is a statement that highlights his current mindset. Rather than settling for steady progress, he is now aiming higher.

Despite the possibility of facing bigger names later in the tournament, Doets remains focused on a match-by-match approach. “I don’t look that far ahead. It’s game by game. If the player I play is Dutch, then so be it. I’m there to win my game, play my own game, and I don’t care what country you’re from. I’m just there to win.”

That focus on process rather than outcome appears to suit him well, allowing him to manage pressure and concentrate on his own performances.

Next up for Doets is a meeting with close friend Jermaine Wattimena, a situation that inevitably brings a different dynamic. “I’d like to say no, but I guess it does. It’s harder to play close friends.”

Even so, his intentions remain clear once he steps onto the stage. “Of course I always hope I win, and I always hope I win well, but it is tougher against close friends. At the same time, I’m in a really good place and I still think I’m going to play really well.”

Doets’ recent performances suggest he is ready to take the next step in his career. His game is becoming more consistent, his confidence is growing, and he is clearly learning from experience. And his ambition is unmistakable.