Van Duijvenbode feels liberated after maiden PDC title: “It has lifted a weight off my shoulders”

Dirk Van Duijvenbode won his maiden PDC ranking title last Monday in Niedernhausen at the Super Series in a culmination of the rise of the Aubergenius.

Van Duijvenbode won his first ranking title by beating his fellow compatriot Martijn Kleermaker in the final.

"I was quite nervous. At such a moment there is an extra pressure on your shoulders. I was happy that I played against someone who had not yet won a PDC tournament. You both experience more pressure," said Van Duijvenbode to AD.nl.

The 28-year-old Dutchman tries to put his title amongst his other achievements. "It is not the best moment of my career, but it is certainly a very good moment. It is just not comparable to, for example, a quarterfinals at a World Championship or a final in a major.”

Thanks to this victory, Van Duijvenbode is now firmly in the top 32 of the Order of Merit. "Many people always say that getting somewhere is easier than staying there, but achieving something can also be a barrier. Achieving certain results has been liberating for me, which has lifted a weight off my shoulders. You set main goals and also some more realistic goals. For example, I want to be at least in the top 20 by the end of the year, but the real main goal is top 16.”

In addition to playing darts, Van Duijvenbode also continues to work at an aubergine farm, although he has increased the practice a bit.

"I have received more confirmation that more practice also pays off. Success certainly helps. If you do not perform, you are more likely to think that playing more hours is pointless."

The next big goal of the Dutchman is the World Matchplay, although the draw will have to go well. "In my case you will be dealing directly with a player from the top 16. That could be the number 1, but also the number 16. That is quite a difference.

“I am still taking steps in the right direction early on or not. There are opportunities now and you must seize them.”