"Not really good because I have no chance to play the World Cup!": Niels Zonneveld shares issue with glut of Dutch dominance, dreams of Nijman partnership

Niels Zonneveld narrowly saw off James Hurrell at the Austrian Darts Open 6-5 in a low quality affair between the pair on both parts with both very much capable of a lot more which wasn't coming out on the big stage.

Speaking to DartsNews afterwards, Zonneveld hit a superb 135 checkout and was a bit a bit down on his display. He also shared the issue with Dutch dominance being that his World Cup dream can't happen and the reason Dutch darts is thriving right now.

"I think it’s the only shot that felt good because the other 10 legs weren’t that good. But in the end I managed to win and I’m really happy with that," said Zonneveld to DartsNews.

But while he isn't exactly pleased with his display, it is good for Zonneveld in this case to not lose narrowly on what can be perceived as a bit of an off day. "That’s really good because you also have to win the low-quality matches. Not always, of course, but especially 60-70 per cent of the time, and I think that’s what I did today. I’m happy with that because maybe I should have lost, but that good finish at the end was really important."

But with Kevin Doets winning his maiden title this week, Wessel Nijman registering five titles already this year and of course Van Veen, MVG and Noppert at the top of the game already, Dutch darts is in a great place and it is one that hands an unfortunate hand to Zonneveld as he is unlikely to fulfill his dream.

"Not really good because I have no chance to play the World Cup! No, but of course Dutch darts is in a really good place at the moment. I think we could maybe have nine or 10 players in the top 32 next year. It’s really good for our country. We’re a really small country, so to have darts in that kind of place is brilliant, I think."

In particular he dreams of a partnership with his neighbour since birth in Wessel Nijman as two home town boys on the big stage. "Especially if I can play it with Wessel, yes. We’ve been neighbours since he was born, so if one day I can play the World Cup with Wessel, that would be great."

He is the only player this year to beat Luke Littler in a ranking event and he spoke about his brilliant form and his main goals with a World Matchplay and World Grand Prix debut looming.

"That’s a good thing! I don’t know, it’s just good form. At home everything is good at the moment and I think that gives some rest. I’ve practised a lot at home as well. I don’t know exactly what it is, but maybe everything is falling together right now and I think that’s coming out in my performances.

"My main goal is getting into the top 32. I think I have a really good chance, and then we’ll see further after that. I’m just focused on reaching the top 32 for the first time in my career, so let’s do that first and then look at the other goals."

But while the likes of MVG and Van Barneveld have flown the flag for years in the sport, Zonneveld also gives props to the Dutch Darts Federation (NDB) for their part in it all and organising events that have helped players grow. "I really don’t know. I think the Dutch Darts Federation has done a really good job organising tournaments, investing in youth and developing young players. I think we’re seeing the results of that now because Kevin, Wessel, me and Gian are all young guys.

"I think the work the NDB has put in over the last 20 years is showing now. If you can have five, six, maybe even seven, eight or nine Dutch players in the top 32, then for our country that’s brilliant."