"This is a real bonus" says Aileen de Graaf in maiden PDC Women's Series after 'strange' final against friend Anca Ziljstra

Sunday, 11 August 2024 at 13:00

Aileen de Graaf after five straight final losses finally sealed a maiden PDC Women's Series title. She defeated Anca Zijlstra in a 5-2 win during Event 14 in Niedernhausen.

De Graaf had gotten through the toughest part prior to the final. After wins over Sandy Wolf (4-1), Laura Patton (4-0) and Tanja Klueners (4-0), the Dutchwoman faced Beau Greaves in the last sixteen.

The two-time world champion was defeated 4-3, however, before De Graaf also dealt with Noa-Lynn van Leuven (5-2) and Lisa Ashton (5-2). Zijlstra became the opponent in the final after beating Mikuru Suzuki (4-3) and Lorraine Winstanley (5-4), among others. In the final, De Graaf quickly gained a comfortable lead by taking the first three legs. Zijlstra narrowed the deficit to 4-2 before De Graaf decided the match with a 23-darter.

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Aileen de Graaf grabs Women's Series title after wins over Beau Greaves and Noa-Lynn van Leuven

It was Ziljstra that was the problem for De Graaf. They are known to be good friends and took a stand previously in quitting the Dutch national team due to the inclusion of Noa-Lynn van Leuven a joint decision. Beating Greaves en route instead of the final was a strange time for the Dutchwoman.

"It's strange. Normally I play Beau or Lisa and that's totally different. I want to win, Anca it's more I like her and it's difficult to play her. It was a strange final really," said De Graaf post match.

"Nerves are taking control but we both stand for the same thing and it's a difficult game really."

Beating Greaves en route, she sees it also as a major bonus. It is not up there in her titles but is more just an addition to her resume.

"Beau is an incredible amazing player. If you get the chance to win against her, finally she missed some doubles. Normally she doesn't. I was really glad to get the chance to win. And next game Noa then Lisa, they are amazing players."

"I don't know which titles I won. It's just. a title. Of course there a lot of good players but yeah I'm a little bit normal about that."

"This is really a bonus, this is a nice win against a lot of good players so I'm thankful for that. But you never know, darts is a strange game.

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🗣️ "This is a real bonus. It's a nice win against a lot of good players." Following five straight defeats in PDC Women's Series finals, Aileen de Graaf reflects on a landmark first title in Niedernhausen! 🏆