Richard Veenstra relieved after favorable World Championship draw: "He hasn't won much, let's keep it that way"

With the announcement of the draw for the 2026 World Darts Championship, tension is already building among the Dutch contingent. For Richard Veenstra, Kevin Doets, Chris Landman and debutant Jamai van den Herik, the path to Alexandra Palace has become clearer—at least the first hurdle. Viaplay caught up with all four moments after the draw.

Richard Veenstra will open his campaign against India’s Nitin Kumar, a name he certainly prefers to the one he drew last year. “Last year I probably had one of the toughest draws of anyone,” he said. “And that turned out to be true with Alexis Toylo. Fortunately, that’s not the case again.”

Kumar is a familiar figure at the World Championship, though his appearances have rarely translated into wins. The studio panel noted diplomatically: “He’s played a fair few Worlds, but… he hasn’t won much.” Veenstra grinned. “Let’s keep it that way, shall we?”

The man known as Flyers is keeping a level head. “I’m trying to train as much as possible for the Worlds. Take it easy, see when I’m scheduled, and make my plan.” His day job continues as normal. “My boss gives me all the space I need. It’s a good combination.”

Optimism in the studio was clear enough: “We assume you can go a few rounds.” Veenstra isn’t looking that far ahead. “I just hope I show up sharp and fresh. Last year I wasn’t completely fit. Let’s not repeat that.”

Kevin Doets drew England’s Matthew Dennant—and the Dutchman’s relief was obvious. “Last year it was Noa-Lynn (van Leuven), the year before Stowe Buntz… yeah, I’m more satisfied with this one.”

Dennant might not be well known to the wider public, but insiders recognise him immediately. Analyst Jacques Nieuwlaat described him as “a typical British county player”—dominant locally and dangerous at Q-School. Still, he added: “He can play, but normally Doets should win this.”

Doets agreed. “I’m better on stage than on the floor. The Worlds are special, and the set format suits me. I think I’ve got a good chance in this round.” As for how far he can go: “The goal is to go further than last year,” he said without hesitation. In 2025 he reached the last 16.

Chris Landman pulled one of the toughest names in the hat—Ryan Searle. His first reaction said it all. “I thought the same as everyone else: oy. It’s not one of the easiest.” Still, he does see opportunities. “He throws quickly, whatever I do. On one hand that’s annoying, but on the other hand I know exactly what I’m up against and what I have to do.”

There’s plenty on the line for Landman, who is fighting to keep his Tour Card. “My first goal was to qualify for the Worlds—I had to. I managed that. But the next step is to get as far as possible. I need to win the first match anyway, I think, but it depends on what others do. I reckon I need two wins.”

Typical of Landman, that honesty comes without hesitation. He embraces the underdog tag. “Last year I had a South African, which looked good on paper but I didn’t play well. Now I guess I’m the underdog—fine by me. If I play well, I’ll be alright.”

For Jamai van den Herik, everything is uncharted territory as he gears up for his World Championship debut. He faces Latvia’s Madars Razma, an experienced performer known for his creativity on finishes and trademark reliance on the treble 19. “I could have done worse, but he’s definitely dangerous. He’s very strong on the 19s,” said Van den Herik.

The studio struck a balance between realism and encouragement. “Razma is experienced, of course. But Jamai has shown he can produce top-class matches. If he brings one of those against Razma, he can win. And after that, there’ll be chances—two or three rounds is absolutely possible.”

Van den Herik echoed that measured optimism. “It’s the start of a dream come true,” he said proudly. “But I’ll be fully focused, even though it’s my first time. I just want to go as far as I can.”