Dutch Delight in Wigan! Wessel Nijman defeats Luke Woodhouse to claim third Players Championship title

Wessel Nijman capped off the Players Championship events in 2025 by clinching PC 34 in Wigan, defeating Luke Woodhouse 8-5 in a tense final.

Nijman had been in imperious form on the floor, having made two finals, two semi-finals and two quarter-final appearances in his last six events, including the final two in Wigan He defeated Callan Rydz (6-2), Rhys Griffin (6-4), Maik Kuivenhoven (6-3), before trouncing Adam Paxton 6-1 with a 116.87 average. He then got the better of Kevin Doets (6-4) and yesterday’s champion Chris Dobey (7-6) in a high-quality semi-final.

Woodhouse had to scrape through some closely fought ties, as he searched for his maiden PDC title. He overcame William Borland (6-5), Florian Hempel (6-5), Joe Cullen (6-1), Karel Sedlacek (6-5), Barry Keane (6-2) and yesterday’s runner-up William O’Connor (7-2) to reach his third senior PDC final.

Nijman got off with an early hold of throw on double eight, before Woodhouse levelled up straight away with a 14-darter on double six. The Dutchman once again finds double eight to re-take the lead and should have broken to give himself a commanding lead. Woody missed the bull for a fantastic 170 checkout before messing around on the outer ring. He got over the line on double two to level the score at 2-2.

With Nijman left on 31, Woodhouse produces a fantastic 144 checkout to take the lead. Nijman kept his composure and broke back instantly with an 11-darter on double 16. The green bit was found in the next leg, but this time by Woodhouse to claim a third break on the bounce in this tie to go 4-3 up. He then missed five darts to solidify his hold, with Nijman ruthlessly punishing him on double eight.

The Dutchman then took back the lead once more to end the streak of breaks but was once again pegged back by Woodhouse who found double 16 for a clinical 11-darter. This was followed by a 13-darter from Nijman on double 12. Woodhouse yet again had the chance of levelling affairs, and almost did this with another ton+ checkout. Unfortunately, he his dart just landed the wrong side of the double 14 for a 148 checkout. Nijman went 7-5 ahead after taking out 76 and closed out the match with a 71 checkout in two darts to clinch the title.

This run to the title has seen Nijman rise to the number two in the Players Championship order of merit, reflecting his consistent world class form on the floor.