Noppert admits frustration after missing out on Premier League ahead of UK Open: "We just have to move on"

Danny Noppert travels to this year's UK Open in Minehead as defending champion. 'The Freeze' surprisingly won the title last year by beating current world champion Michael Smith in the final.

However, that final victory did not earn Noppert an invitation to the prestigious Premier League. It took the darter from Joure a day to get over it. ''I did regret it, but it's no different,'' he told AD.nl. ''We just have to move on. It doesn't count for the ranking. It does make money, but yes...''

Missing out on the Premier League does give an extra day of rest towards the UK Open, where Noppert hopes to prolong his title from last year. ''It was obviously very special to win the title. I hope of course to make it twice, but we are going to do our very best. When will I be satisfied? A quarter-final I think, then I will be satisfied. I do want to sign off on that beforehand. It's hard to keep winning tournaments because there are so many good darters.''