''It's not easy to play against a lady" - Jermaine Wattimena reflects on dramatic World Darts Championship win over Fallon Sherrock

Jermaine Wattimena has now been a Tour Card holder for 10 years. The 35-year-old Dutchman was a guest on the darts podcast Dartpraat, where he talked about his recent form and his past World Championship participation, among other things.

Wattimena explains to Dartpraat what darts means to him. ''Darts for me is passion and work. I started at age 12 during the time when Raymond van Barneveld was doing well. I think most players from my youth period owe it to that that they started playing darts.'' Wattimena sees 2019 as the best year of his career, with a quarterfinal at the World Grand Prix and a semifinal at the World Cup of Darts as his best performances. ''I obviously look back on that with pride. Playing the World Cup was great.''

Wattimena is recently showing good form again on the Pro Tour. ''I have found more positivity in myself, especially in my game. I also have more faith after I made it to the last 16 at the Players Championships Finals. I got a lot of positive feedback on that, too.'' At the last edition of the World Darts Championship, Wattimena had to play against Fallon Sherrock in the first round. ''It's not easy to play against a lady. You have to cut yourself off from the crowd and not give a counter reaction. I certainly didn't do that either.'' Wattimena managed to win the match 3-1 in sets, but lost to Martin Schindler 3-1 in sets in the second round.

Due to a new rule by the PDC, all Players Championships will be played during the week next year. ''For me it's fine, but I can imagine it will be a problem for players who work in addition to it.''

Wattimena also indicated to Dartpraat what his goals are for the coming year. ''I have set the goal of winning a Pro Tour. I have already missed out several times and lost finals at Players Championships.'' Wattimena also already managed to qualify for two Euro Tour tournaments this season, including next weekend's Belgian Darts Open.