“I’ve known Michael for more than 24 years... it’s not that special” – Jermaine Wattimena refuses to be overawed by Van Gerwen as rivalry renews in Sindelfingen

Jermaine Wattimena made a confident start to his European Darts Grand Prix campaign with a 6-3 win over Kevin Doets on Saturday afternoon, producing a near-98 average and finishing at 50 percent on the doubles.

More telling than the numbers, though, was the calm and clarity in his post-match reaction, a player enjoying his darts again after working his way back towards the top level. “Of course I’m happy. I’m always happy to win, to be honest,” Wattimena said in conversation with Dartsnews.com.

The victory also carried personal significance, marking a return to a stage that stretches back more than a decade in his career. “It’s been a long time since my first European Tour, about 11 years ago, so I’m happy to win here again,” he said.

Wattimena also reflected on the broader strength of Dutch darts, with a new wave of players emerging alongside established names. “Yeah, it’s good. The Dutch players are doing really well and we’re happy with that,” he said. “If it keeps going like this, maybe in one or two years we could have five or six players in the top 16 from the Netherlands.”

He then pointed to the depth currently building within the game. “Michael is on the way, Kevin is on the way, Wessel is almost there, I’m there, Gian is playing amazing. We’ve got a lot of good players.”

With the rankings tightening, Wattimena made clear how he views his current position and the challenge ahead. “I told my family I’m just inside the top 16,” he said. “With players close behind, you need a good run, but it’s good for Dutch darts.”

He also backed his ability to respond if that position comes under threat. “If I drop out, I’ll be back.”

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Wattimena kept his ambitions simple and focused. “Stay in the top 16. That’s where you want to be. And have some good runs.”

A potential clash with Michael van Gerwen could now await, though Wattimena made clear familiarity removes any added pressure. “I’ve known Michael for more than 24 years, so it’s not that special,” he said. “But I do like playing him on stage again, because it’s been a long time.”

Asked about his record against his compatriot, he remained unfazed. “No, I didn’t even know that. I know I’ve beaten him before, but every day is a new day, every week is a new week.”

With confidence returning and a clear focus on consistency, Wattimena now moves forward with both belief in his own game and an awareness of the growing strength around him in Dutch darts.