“Three thousand people shouting is actually easier than ten people shouting” – Niels Zonneveld survives hostile Ally Pally atmosphere to send Michael Smith packing

Niels Zonneveld was visibly searching for words after his second-round match — and understandably so. On the biggest stage of the year, the Dutchman had just knocked former world champion Michael Smith out of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship. It was a result of real substance, a personal breakthrough and a victory that could yet send his career in an entirely new direction.

“It means a lot — I can’t really describe how much it means,” Zonneveld said immediately afterwards. “I’m really happy right now. I think this is the biggest victory of my life, of my career so far. I think I needed this, and today I did it.”

That Zonneveld delivered this performance at the World Championship only added to its significance. He had already shown his potential on the ProTour this year, posting strong averages and consistent results. But the biggest television stages had so far remained a hurdle.

“I don’t know if it’s the best, but at least it’s at the biggest tournament,” he said. “Especially with the crowd supporting Michael Smith, which I can understand. It’s not easy, and I’m really happy with this win.”

Where many players struggle in those circumstances, Zonneveld stayed impressively composed. There was no visible frustration, no rush, no sign of doubt. Instead, he delivered at the key moments.

“It’s just a crowd reaction,” he explained. “That’s why I took my time. Three thousand people shouting is actually easier than ten people shouting — at the end it’s just noise. I can imagine they supported Michael, but I’m his opponent and I wanted to win as well.”

The victory sends Zonneveld into the third round of the World Championship for the first time in his career — a clear milestone with potential consequences for his ranking ambitions.

“I think I needed this,” he said. “It’s a big step now towards the top 32. I’m over the moon, to be honest.”

Breaking into that top 32 remains his longer-term goal, but his focus is firmly on the present. “My main goal is to get into the top 32 by the end of next year,” Zonneveld said. “But right now I’m focusing on the World Championship because it’s the most important tournament of the year. I’m still in, and I’m really enjoying myself.”

Asked what has changed for him this season, Zonneveld pointed to experience and growing self-belief. “I think it’s experience,” he said. “I never really played badly on stage, but today it clicked. I think it had to happen sometime, and today was the day.”

That breakthrough has not come by chance. Behind the scenes, Zonneveld has been working closely with Vincent van der Voort and his son — a partnership he values for its honesty.

“It’s nice to have someone who talks to you really straight,” he said. “Normally people talk around the point, but Vincent — and especially his son — just give me the point that matters. I think I needed that.”

He added that the collaboration has helped him progress both technically and mentally. “I can share my feelings with him, and I think I’ve improved myself — not only because of him, but he’s a big part of it.”

Despite the magnitude of the upset, Zonneveld was quick to show respect for his opponent. Smith, a former world champion, exited the tournament earlier than expected.

“Michael Smith is a class player and a class guy,” Zonneveld said. “He didn’t say anything bad. I can imagine he’s really disappointed. He deserves more than this, but at this moment I was his opponent and I’m here to win.”

It was a measured response that underlined Zonneveld’s awareness of his place within the wider darts landscape.

Next up is a third-round clash with world number five Jonny Clayton, a player with vast experience at Alexandra Palace. For now, though, Zonneveld is not looking too far ahead.

“Jonny is a world-class player, so I have to be at my best,” he said. “But right now, I’m going to enjoy Christmas with my family — still being in the tournament, for the first time. I’m really looking forward to that.”

Zonneveld will return to the Netherlands for the festive period. “We celebrate the second Christmas Day in Holland as well,” he said. “There will be turkey sandwiches and a lot of football — definitely a lot of football.”

That does not mean abandoning routine. “Just as normal,” he said of his training plans. “Of course I have to practice, but I believe in what I always do and I’ll do the same now. And of course I’ll enjoy Christmas with my family.”

From the third round onwards, the format switches to best-of-seven sets — something Zonneveld welcomes.

“I feel really comfortable with it,” he said. “I’m usually nervous in the first set, so with longer matches the first set is still important, but less decisive than today. I’m really looking forward to it.”

His growing mental strength was also evident in how he described the build-up to the Smith match. “I was really nervous before the first round,” Zonneveld said. “But before this match, I felt zero nerves. When I arrived here I was nervous for the first two hours, and then it slipped away.”

The win over Smith feels like more than just a result. It is a statement — to himself, to others, and perhaps to his future in the PDC.

“I don’t think I’ve changed a lot,” Zonneveld concluded. “I’m practising more focused, working on the things that weren’t going well before. I think it’s also self-confidence, and I really had that tonight. I showed it.”