“If I’m doing my best in the last leg, then it’s okay” – Richard Veenstra saves his best for last in mediocre performance at European Darts Trophy

Richard Veenstra has booked his place in the second round of the European Darts Trophy, but the Dutchman was not exactly satisfied with his performance afterwards. Although the final score looked convincing, Veenstra admitted the match rarely reached a high level for long spells. Only in the closing stages did he show what he truly has to offer. Still, when all was said and done, a win was on the board — and in a knockout tournament that is ultimately what matters most.

The opening-round match between Veenstra and Florian Hempel at the European Darts Trophy featured few phases where both players produced their best. The pace was not particularly high and the big visits largely failed to materialise. Veenstra himself admitted afterwards that the match only really came to life in the very last leg. “Only in the last leg,” he said with a smile when asked when he threw his best darts. “That was the best one."

He did not see the fact that the best leg came right at the end as a problem. “But if I’m doing my best in the last leg, then it’s okay," he added.

Although the scoring power was not consistent enough, Veenstra could look back on a solid display on the doubles. When he got a chance to close out a leg, he was often clinical.

One of the challenges for many darters is the difference between practice and playing on a big stage. Veenstra also noticed he struggled to find his rhythm during the match. According to him, everything often feels right backstage, but that changes as soon as you actually step onto the stage. “it’s always difficult on stage to get your rhythm,” he explained. “Behind the scenes everything feels fine, but when you’re up there it’s totally different.”

That transition from practice room to stage is something many players have to learn to handle. The pressure from the crowd, the lighting, and the match tension can all impact performance.

Despite room for improvement in scoring, Veenstra currently feels good about his game. He stressed that he has been playing with confidence lately, which also shows in his finishing. “I’m feeling good and confident,” he said. “I played well the last time, and you could see that with my doubles — they were going in.”

A new challenge awaits the Dutchman in the second round. There he will meet Germany’s number one: Martin Schindler. An opponent who has already enjoyed success on the European Tour and has proven that the big stages hold no fear for him. That match will also be played in a completely different atmosphere. Where the first match was relatively calm, a heaving arena with thousands of fans now awaits. The expectation is that around four thousand spectators will be present, a large portion of whom will support the German. That automatically makes the match a lot more intense.

Veenstra, however, does not seem too concerned. On the contrary: he actually appears to draw confidence from matches against German players. “The Germans are always good for me,” he said with a wink.

Despite his critical view of his own game, the positive feeling prevails for Veenstra. The win is in the bag, the trust in his doubles is there, and his recent form gives him reason for optimism. “That gives you confidence for tomorrow,” he concluded.