"It annoys me that people think their opinion matters" – Dirk van Duijvenbode hits back at critics after reaching World Grand Prix quarter-finals
PDCFriday, 10 October 2025 at 11:00
Dirk van Duijvenbode blasted into the quarter-finals of the 2025 World Grand Prix on Thursday night, with a dominant 3–0 victory over Daryl Gurney, then used his post-match press conference to deliver a pointed response to critics who have questioned his temperament and recent form.
The Dutchman, who reached the final of this event back in 2020, averaged 96.4 and hit a stunning 158 checkout to seal the match, but it was his honesty off-stage that made just as many headlines as his excellence on it.
“It annoys me that people think their opinion matters to me,” van Duijvenbode told Dartsnews.com among other, immediately following the win. “Everyone has one responsibility in life – and that’s to your family. Whatever anyone else says, good luck to them. I’ve got a family too. I don’t mind what people say.”
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The win marked van Duijvenbode’s first time past the second round of the World Grand Prix since that 2020 run to the final, and he looked back to something like his explosive best. His trademark scoring power was backed up by sharp finishing – 50% on doubles compared to Gurney’s 25% – and his trademark aggression on stage seemed underpinned by a sense of focus rather than frustration.
“I have to be honest, I was very nervous,” he admitted. “I was playing Daryl and it felt equal. I wasn’t thinking I couldn’t beat him, but I also didn’t think I’d beat him easily. He’s one of the toughest players to face because you can outscore him, but he’ll outfinish you. Today the real Daryl didn’t show up. The finishes he normally punishes me with, he didn’t hit them. And when he doesn’t finish, he doesn’t beat me – because with respect, I score better than him.”
That was a fair assessment on the numbers. Van Duijvenbode hit six 140s, three 180s and consistently got away quicker in the double-start format, with his preferred double 18 proving a reliable weapon all night. Gurney, meanwhile, missed key chances for 101, 109 and 140 checkouts, each one seized upon by the Dutchman.
Confidence in question
For all the power and precision, van Duijvenbode was quick to insist that confidence remains a work in progress.
“Good results make you confident, and my results in September weren’t good,” he said. “Earlier this year, around April or May, I felt like I was one of the ten best players in the world again. Now I don’t feel that way. It’s a struggle. But being insecure also gives you something. Your focus becomes 100%, because you know you’re not confident. You’re coming from an insecure position, thinking it’s very hard to win, and that makes you more focused. It’s not always a bad thing.”
That perspective comes from more than just form. Van Duijvenbode opened up about family issues that had affected his preparation in recent weeks, saying fatigue and disrupted sleep had played a role in his dip.
“We had a situation at home – it happens to everyone,” he said. “It came at an inconvenient time, but there’s nothing more important than family. Sometimes that causes a dip in your game with sleep and focus.“
"We went to a child doctor and sorted it about a week ago. The longer I’ve been here, the better I’ve slept. My nights are good again now, and that’s helping me recover from tiredness. I’m not a guy for excuses, but I’m honest. People sometimes say, ‘He’s moaning again,’ but I just say what’s on my mind.”
“Family always comes first”
If his reputation for on-stage fire has ever been mistaken for volatility, van Duijvenbode was keen to set the record straight. “I’m not angry about what people say,” he said. “My family’s always first. If I had to quit because of my family, I’d do it straight away. It’s the most important thing in life.”
That blend of honesty and stubbornness might just be what’s driving his return to form. His victory over Michael van Gerwen in the opening round was a reminder of his ceiling; this demolition of Gurney confirmed he’s ready to challenge again.
Van Duijvenbode laughed off suggestions that he’s suddenly rediscovered his spark, but did admit a small change has helped his luck. “When I made the final, I brought a friend,” he grinned. “Then I didn’t bring one for the other years and lost in the first round. Now I’ve brought a friend again. Costs some money, but it’s paying off.”
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- Put the balls back in and have another go!rick6724-11-2025
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