Kevin Doets looks back on World Championship debut with satisfaction: ''I was extremely proud of what I had done''

Kevin Doets made his debut at the past edition of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, where he impressed in the second round against Michael Smith. In an interview with Double Top, the 25-year-old Dutchman talked about his career and his plans for the upcoming season.

Doets explains to Double Top how he started playing darts. ''I have been playing darts since I was 10 years old. At the age of 13 I became Dutch champion with the aspirants for the first time. Then I thought: I can do this quite well.'' However, Doets also struggled for a period with dartitis. ''When I was 17 years old I had it out of nowhere. It took a year and a half before I got rid of it. I still have it now and then, the last time I had it was a year and a half ago. I think I've had enough experience with it now that I know how to deal with it. It's all mental.''

In 2019, Doets made his breakthrough in the world of darts with a final victory at the Catalonia Open. Since then, Doets grabbed multiple titles on both the Challenge Tour and Development Tour. In 2022, Doets managed to capture his Tour Card and then in 2023 to reach his first ranking final at the PDC at Players Championship 20. ''I'm most proud of that Pro Tour final last year. However, the best feeling I got from my first title on Development Tour.''

At the last edition of the World Darts Championship Doets made his debut at the Alexandra Palace. He immediately played the first match of the opening night against Stowe Buntz, Doets won his first match and later in the evening he faced then defending champion Michael Smith. It was 2-2 in sets but Smith won the match with a 142 finish.''He showed his class at that moment. I was very proud of what I had done at that moment.

Doets tells Double Top what his goals are for the coming year. ''I want to win a Pro Tour and qualify for at least 5 Euro Tour tournaments. I also want to qualify for the World Championship and hopefully be in the tournament after Christmas.''