Van Duijvenbode makes guest appearance at Ahoy: "If I take part in the Premier League, I also want to compete fully for the play-offs"

A controversial omission from the Premier League line-up this year, Dirk van Duijvenbode was nevertheless in attendance in Rotterdam, soaking up the atmosphere and speaking to Sky Sports about his desire to one day compete on the Premier League Darts stage.

Speaking to Emma Paton and Mark Webster, van Duijvenbode said, "I'm still a bit frustrated that I didn't win that Euro Tour title, but apart from that I'm very happy. I already won three events and hopefully I can do more," referring to the electric form the Aubergenius has been in so far in 2023. "Obviously if you practice and you practice good you get confidence but the only thing that helps is wins and big wins."

When Mark Webster poses the question about a future appearance in the Premier League as a player, Dirk immediately starts smiling. "I don't mind if I'm not in the Premier League as long as I can play on this stage," he jokes. "This year I feel like I'm doing some big steps and if I'm in the Premier League I don't want to be and be number 7 or number 8 I want to compete."

"Not everyone makes top 4 but you at least want to compete," van Duijvenbode continues. "I've made some good steps and hopefully I'll get picked. If not I'll keep practicing and maybe the year after."