(INTERVIEW) Danny Jansen impresses in first month on PDC Tour: 'Now I'm really one of the big boys'

Danny Jansen is one of the 21 Dutch participants at the UK Open in Minehead this weekend. This tournament is open for all PDC Tour Card holders and some additional qualifiers.

Jansen got his PDC Tour Card in January when he passed the European Q-School in Niedernhausen. In February he played his first Players Championship tournament, where all the world class players come together to earn ranking money to qualify for the major events.

''The first half hour or hour you look around and then you think; now I'm really one of the big boys'', said Jansen told Dartsnieuws.com in an interview.

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But he did not give himself too much time to enjoy it. ''At some point you have to be able to turn that switch. Of course you have to play darts and not think about it for too long. Fortunately, that went well.''

It wasn't long before Jansen was making headlines on the Pro Tour. During the third Players Championship tournament he defeated Michael Smith (6-2) with an average of over 106.

''That was great. It was the first time I was allowed to play on the stream. Then you win against such a big name, and I threw a super match. Very cool.''

At the UK Open Jansen will make his debut at a PDC Major, a nice milestone in his young career. ''It's not every day that that happens to you. We will see. I'm going to do my best.''

With what goal did he leave ahead of his travel to Minehead? ''Firstly to gain experience, but you do want to get through a round. They are all very good darts players. I think the draw is not too bad, but first I have to throw myself of course.''