"It affected me a little bit in this game as well, that’s why I want to quickly know what happened": Danny Noppert opens on ADHD amid Gurney incident with crowd

Danny Noppert admitted he felt a sense of relief rather than pure joy after defeating Daryl Gurney 3–1 to book his place in the next round of the 2026 World Masters, as a crucial 105 checkout proved decisive in a hard-fought and occasionally tense contest.

The Dutchman was visibly delighted at the conclusion of the match, but he was quick to acknowledge that the performance itself was not one of his best. “It was a little relief, of course,” Noppert said in his press conference. “It was not the best game of my life, but I did a really important 105 finish.”

That moment, which prompted a big on-stage celebration, was the clear turning point in the Winmau World Masters match. Noppert admitted it stood out immediately, even if the finer details of the leg escaped him. “I think it was the moment, yes,” he explained. “I can’t remember what finish he was on. I don’t know if he was on a double, but it was a good finish. I’m really happy, of course.”

Crowd noise played a role during the contest, particularly at key moments, and Noppert felt Gurney struggled more with the atmosphere behind the stage. “I don’t remember what set it was, but he had a little bit of problems right back behind me with the crowd,” Noppert said. “They were a little bit noisy, but they were sharing with me. He had a little bit of problems over there, but I’m really happy that I took it over the line.”

In recent months, Noppert has noticeably won over audiences, and he believes improved performances naturally bring greater crowd support.

“I think when you perform better, of course, the crowd is more alike,” he said. “I think the first set I started really well. The scoring was good, I was there, but in the second set I wasn’t there. I was struggling a little bit today, but I’m really happy.”

There were moments of disruption during the match involving Gurney and referee Kirk Bevins, but Noppert was keen to stress that the exchanges did affect his rhythm, even if he was not directly involved.

“It wasn’t me, but Daryl — two times he came to Kirk and said something,” Noppert explained. “After six darts I thought maybe there was something wrong with me. It was the crowd, and it’s not my fault.”

The World Masters victory follows a demanding period for Noppert physically, after illness during his recent travels on the World Series circuit. “A little bit better, yes,” he said when asked about his health. “I enjoyed the time over there, but every morning when I woke up I felt so tired. I didn’t have the energy. It was a nice time over there, but I had a sore throat and everything. Once a year it happens, and hopefully it stays with that. I’m looking forward to a brilliant season.”

Despite not feeling at his best, Noppert was pleased with his performances in Bahrain, where he featured on the World Series.

“I’m really happy that the PDC invited me for the World Series, of course,” he said. “In Bahrain I played well. I met Gian in the second round and I lost with a 106 average. I played good over there, but I enjoyed my time there as well. Saudi was a little bit too much at the end.”

Maintaining concentration remains a challenge at times for Noppert, who has previously spoken openly about living with ADHD and how it can affect him on stage.

“When I was younger, I already had problems concentrating and listening to the teacher,” he said. “If this happens, then I have the same problem. That’s why I ask after six darts what happened. I want to know, because it doesn’t feel good for me. It affected me a little bit in this game as well. That’s why I want to quickly know what happened.”

He added: “Sometimes it doesn’t impact me a lot, but I live my whole life with that. I’m a good dart player.”

Despite the challenges, Noppert took encouragement from key aspects of his performance, particularly his finishing, and believes there is more to come as the tournament progresses.

“To be honest, I was good today on the finishing,” he said. “I can play better, but I need to play better next round. If I play like this and believe in what I have, I can hopefully make big steps this year.”

Preparation, he insists, remains constant. “Yes, of course. I practice all the time, all year,” Noppert added. “I want to be a good player and I try hard every time.”

Beyond the immediate win, Noppert highlighted the importance of ranking points and momentum, particularly after recent Premier League discussions. “Yes, of course it’s a good relief,” he said. “It’s always important to have ranking money. I want to grow and I want to go as high as I can get. I’m really happy that I won. Every win for the ranking is good.”

His World Series experiences have also provided renewed motivation. “Yes, of course. It’s really nice,” Noppert said. “When I book a holiday or something, I don’t book a holiday to Saudi Arabia — I always go to Greece, so I’m a little bit boring! But I see other parts of the world. It’s really nice to play there for different crowds.”

Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, Noppert made his ambitions clear. “I want to win more titles,” he said. “Also on the floor or maybe on the European Tour. Maybe it’s time to take bigger steps.”