Niels Zonneveld has qualified for the second round of the World Darts Championship. The 25-year-old Dutchman was too strong for Darren Webster in his opening match 3-1
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After two previous attempts, it was the first time Zonneveld managed to win a match at the World Championship. However, Zonneveld had a difficult run-up to his opening match, as he has been struggling with an infection in his left eye for some time. "What you see now is nothing compared to a few days ago," Zonneveld referred to a small wound to AD.nl.
"Three days ago I really couldn't see anything at all with my left eye and I was really very worried. I went to the doctor, but the eye drops didn't work. Finally the doctor gave me three kinds of antibiotics and since Friday it has been better."
Still, Zonneveld never hesitated to play. "Well, I thought: however I have to go there, I'm going to play anyway. But yes, what a moment to get this, say. The doctor said it was because dirt got stuck in my eyes. Normally you rinse that out by showering, but with me, it stuck. Three days ago I wasn't ready. Fortunately, it's getting better now."
In his previous two appearances, Zonneveld never managed to win a set. You read everywhere 'he hasn't won a set yet', but when I got to 1-0 and 2-0, I thought I was going to win. But I just fell silent and finally I thought: there will be a fifth set, but luckily he missed everything. I'm extremely happy."
Zonneveld will take on 16th-seeded Ross Smith in the second round on Wednesday afternoon. "I think I can beat him, but I have to do a lot better."
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
DOUBLES CARNAGE AS ZONNEVELD GETS OVER THE LINE!
Evident tension as both players miss a hatful of opportunities... but Niels Zonneveld gets over the line eventually to reach the Second Round.
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