Jarno Bottenberg makes debut at Lakeside next month: "Because of fatherhood, I am now playing with more confidence"

Jarno Bottenberg will make his debut at this year's WDF World Championship. The 22-year-old Dutchman will take on Jamie Lewis in the opening round.

Bottenberg qualified through the qualifying tournament almost a year ago. "That did come as a bit of a surprise," he reveals in conversation with Darts Actueel. "I have actually hardly played any WDF tournaments the past few years."

"Because I became a father at a young age, that took priority for a while. That's also why I didn't go to Q-School this year, I just wasn't ready yet. Fatherhood gives me a lot of confidence though, I now have an extra reason to play for something."

Bottenberg also has no experience on a big stage yet. "I did play the Modus Super Series, but that will still be different from Lakeside. In any case, I'm looking forward to it incredibly hard.

Finally, Bottenberg was also presented with some dilemmas. "Lakeside or UK Open? Then I still choose Lakeside!" And if he had to choose between throwing a nine-darter and losing the match or a 170-finish and winning the match? "Definitely the 170-finish and win the match," Bottenberg leaves no doubt.