A new Dutch star is born with Danny Jansen claiming a maiden PDC title only nine tournaments into his two years as a Tour Card holder at Players Championship 9 defeating Andrew Gilding 8-6 in Barnsley.
It was a third final for 'Goldfinger' but he was denied by the 19-year-old known as 'Menum Power' who has played superb at times in recent months.
But few would have expected him to go all the way in such a short space of time with victories over the likes of Peter Wright, Krzysztof Ratajski, Chris Dobey and Dave Chisnall en route today and he collects £12,000 in the process.
A 174 from Jansen saw the Dutch youngster ready to pounce when Gilding couldn’t pin 83 but he missed three at double 16 and ‘Goldfinger’ returned but fluffed up 25 hitting single 20.
This allowed Jansen back for double 16 to break for the early lead. But he was broken back immediately with a 170 from leave from Gilding to leave 51 on the throw of Jansen. He returned for an 11-dart break back to make it 1-1.
A 165 set up from Jansen left double 20 which he pinned for a third break to make it 2-1. Again the breaks continued as Gilding hit a 95 checkout to make it 2-2.
Gilding finally held on double 12 to make it 3-2. A 76 checkout saw Jansen hold himself at 3-3 but again it was a break with the Dutchman going 4-3 up.
He began to sail away with a hold of throw on double 10 to make it 5-3 with Gilding unable to take out 120.
A potential break opportunity again was set with Gilding missing a dart to hold on double 10. Jansen missed the bull for an 84 checkout and Gilding returned for double five to make it 5-4.
A 180 and double 10 for Jansen saw him go 6-4 up with a hold. Gilding hit back with a 143 checkout to try and reassert himself and make it 6-5.
But Jansen showed no nerves holding again to go one away from a maiden title. Gilding didn’t look to give Jansen an easy break to win and he stared down 62 to remain in the tie which he pinned on double 20.
Jansen had to throw for it and was on 121 after nine-darts thrown. He hit 97 to leave 24 with Gilding well back and he pinned it first time.
Players Championship 9 Selected Results
Last 16
Mario Vandenbogaerde (89.38) 6 | 4 (87.25) Madars Razma
Dave Chisnall (100.42) 6 | 5 (95.01) Kim Huybrechts
Danny Jansen (101.78) 6 | 5 (105.52) Krzysztof Ratajski
Callan Rydz (92.15) 2 | 6 (102.58) Chris Dobey
Michael van Gerwen (100.24) 6 | 3 (104.82) Jonny Clayton
Danny Noppert (88.19) 6 | 4 (90.98) Gary Anderson
Jose de Sousa (100.69) 6 | 4 (91.89) Raymond van Barneveld
Andrew Gilding (92.13) 6 | 4 (94.43) Rob Cross
Quarter-Finals
Mario Vandenbogaerde (89.62) 4 | 6 (90.55) Dave Chisnall
Danny Jansen (92.90) 6 | 4 (91.89) Chris Dobey
Michael van Gerwen (101.07) 2 | 6 (103.28) Danny Noppert
Jose de Sousa (95.61) 3 | 6 (104.90) Andrew Gilding
Semi-Finals
Dave Chisnall (96.41) 6 | 7 (96.36) Danny Jansen
Danny Noppert (94.09) 4 | 7 (98.83) Andrew Gilding
Final
Danny Jansen (95.51) 8 | 6 (95.37) Andrew Gilding