(INTERVIEW) Van Dongen did not expect to be at UK Open 12 months ago: "It has been quite a journey"

Jules van Dongen makes his debut at a PDC Major this weekend at the UK Open after only a short darting career.

Van Dongen, who was born in the Netherlands but lives in the United States and holds an American passport, would not have dared dream a year ago that he would be allowed to participate in such a big tournament.

"I didn't expect that myself'', he says in an interview with Dartsnieuws.com. "Twelve months ago I only just arrived. It's been quite a journey. Now I'm here, so I'm really looking forward to it.''

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The Dutch Dragon will play Mario Vandenbogaerde in the first round of the UK Open. Both players won a Tour Card at the European Q-School this year.

"Mario of course has a lot of experience and also in form at the moment. I like him, so I am really looking forward to it. Hopefully I can treat him to a victory'', Van Dongen looks ahead to the clash with the Belgian.

The race between Van Dongen and Vandenbogaerde is scheduled on Stage Two. Does that make the debut of the Dutch American extra exciting? "Maybe, maybe not. It just depends on how you go into the race. I'll be on that stage throwing and I'll close myself off a bit from what is happening around me. Then we'll see.''

Van Dongen does not have much experience with playing in front of an audience yet. That does not have to be a problem, however, he says.

"I think that if you are throwing very well, then you don't get anything out of it. If you have lesser moments, then maybe you will get more of it. If you get into a flow, then you can close yourself off for that'', says Van Dongen.