Mixed feelings for Noppert after Whitlock win: "It's trial and error with darts"

Danny Noppert beat Simon Whitlock 6-4 in the first round of the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam on Friday night in front of his own crowd.

The Dutchman looked back on his match with mixed feelings. Noppert had a doubtful start, but slowly got better and better in the match.

''It wasn't my best yet, but I'm happy anyway that I took the win,'' he told TOTO Dart Kings afterwards. ''It's trial and error with darts and today it was standing up. When you fall you can come back really hard with fighting to reach your goal.''

''After losing my first match twice on the Euro Tour I did recover fine now. A 170 finish gives a nice feeling. Especially for a home crowd'', Noppert commented afterwards.

Saturday night the reigning UK Open champion plays Jonny Clayton in the second round, against whom he has won two of the three previous meetings.

''That's positive, but Clayton is a good darter. He has also been in Australia recently (for the World Series tournaments, ed.) so has had (thrown through) a few more weeks than me. I'm so looking forward to throwing in front of my own crowd.''