Niels Zonneveld had turbulent run-up to World Championship: "Due to infection I didn't see anything through my left eye for a few days"

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

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.

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"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."