"Only thing I can remember is Glen Durrant playing against Michael van Gerwen": Kevin Doets remembers surprise clash ahead of World Matchplay debut
PDCMonday, 13 July 2026 at 18:30
Kevin Doets is heading into his World Matchplay debut full of confidence. The Dutchman has qualified for the prestigious major at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool for the first time this year and sees his place in the field as the reward for years of hard work. In fact, Doets believes he not only belongs there but is also capable of causing a few surprises.
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The World Matchplay has been a major goal for Doets for several years. After narrowly missing out on qualification in previous seasons, he now feels his development has taken him to the level where he belongs among the tournament's top 32 players.
"Oh, man, you know, the World Matchplay is something that I've been working to the last two or three years," he said to Oche180. "Two years ago, I was very close. Last year, I wasn't that close."
That feeling has now changed completely. The Dutch but Swedish-based thrower is travelling to Blackpool with far greater confidence and believes he can compete immediately with the established stars.
"This year, I feel like I have to be there. And I am there, and I think that I can upset a lot of players and I think I can be really good there."
Qualification feels like confirmation
For Doets, qualifying for the World Matchplay means more than simply adding another televised tournament to his résumé. Above all, it confirms the significant progress he has made on the PDC Tour over the past year.
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Over the coming months, the Dutchman will also compete in several major ranking events for the first time, including the European Championship and the World Grand Prix. It marks an important new phase in his career, one in which he will regularly test himself against the world's elite.
Kevin Doets set for World Matchplay debut.
Although the World Matchplay is regarded as one of the most iconic events on the darts calendar, Doets admits he does not actually have many memories of watching the tournament as a fan.
"To be honest, not a lot," he laughed when asked about memories. "I've never been someone that watches all the tournaments. The World Championship, I always watched."
"But if I think back about the World Matchplay, the only thing I can remember is Glen Durrant playing against Michael van Gerwen."
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His answer immediately raises a laugh, before Doets realises that former Matchplay finalist Glen Durrant will probably hear about the comment. "Yeah, he will be happy when he hears this."
"But yeah, to be honest, like I said, I'm more of a player myself. I think it's a bit boring to watch, except for the Worlds. And I still right now, even though I play the Worlds, I still watch it because I love it."
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
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.
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- Ultimately, Vin man knew when to call it quits. Barney was excellent and one of the greatest darts player ever, but he just doesn't have that ability anymore. Vinman working in media is only saying what he thinks and I like how he doesn't sugar coat things and is completely honest and direct with his comments. Vinman will probably agree he wasn't really on the same level as Barney in their respective heydays.richieburnettrocks13-07-2026
- I agree that this season the format was a bit stale, it would be better to have some new faces rotated in through the season. I also think they should vary the format a bit as it doesn't count for rankings, they could have different varieties of 501 (e.g. double start) or just different challenges.mikedarts03-07-2026
- I don't really understand why its an issue that Littler doesn't play in the events, they are barely televised so there is no draw for marketing and it gives the other players a better chance to define their narratives. The events are more of a throw back to old events. I agree that the format should be looked at, I don't know why they don't do a more interesting format or vary it through the season to improve interestmikedarts03-07-2026
- This shows they have the prize money structure wrong then (and OoM as a result). Put more £ into the floor, less on the TV and you'll attract more players to attend more often.BandB03-07-2026
- He's admitted his mistakes. He won't be the first or last player to get sent down,or take drugs. I honestly didn't like the lad,but at least he's owning up to his issues. So,good luck. In whatever he decides to dorick6702-07-2026
- Not everyone wants to watch pub players throwing 70 averages for about £500. Premier League is indeed a cash cow, but it does its job of promoting the game. This new suggestion for changes is one of the better ones. Even better if everyone knew what they had to do to qualify and it isn't just a walk-on popularity contest.StraightArrowNoBull01-07-2026
- I have a suggestion,scrap the whole thing. It's a pointless cash cow for anyone in the top 10.rick6730-06-2026
- Well nobody made him bet!! It's his own fault,if wants to lose money,then he shouldn't call Gerwyn out! He averaged 103,I would think the losing betting idiot could average 40! If you don't want to risk losing,keep your money in your pocket!rick6728-06-2026
- A great female line up this year, it would be nice to see Gemma win, but Beau is too good. Although the most important lady is missing....Lorraine Winstanley! You can't have a major tournament with out Lorraine Winstanley!! My dream is to see Lorraine hit a nine darter, run off the stage and out of the building with Dean.richieburnettrocks25-06-2026
- Laura looking fantastic and obviously has a hidden talent as a dart player. It was so nice to see her shock and joy of hitting that triple 20 I miss Laura, she was excellent and very knowledgeable regarding darts. Can you imagine that dozy wooden air head Emma Paton from SKY being able to do that, she'd hold the dart the wrong way round.richieburnettrocks25-06-2026
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