Van Duijvenbode on juggling work with darts: "I think that makes you real"

Dirk van Duijvenbode has emerged as one of the next top Dutch darting talents reaching the final of the World Grand Prix last year as well as being a ranking winner.

This rise has all come while Van Duijvenbode still juggles full time work at the Aubergine farm which he has done for most of his adult life.

"Yeah I do sometimes, not every day," he said on whether he likes aubergines or not.

"Last year when I got my Tour Card back, I spoke with my boss and I said is it okay If I start practicing at work as well. I get the breaks and I extend them with time of my own which isn't paid to practice.

"The results were a lot better, then making World Grand Prix was the achievement I was looking for and you also make the final. It's more of like a reward but also confirmation that you made a good decision."

Next up is the top 16 for 'The Titan' which is the next box to tick off as he goes closer to the darting elite.

"At the moment, I'm close to top 16 but I'm not top 16. That will be the next step for me."

But in terms of whether having a job helps in his darting career, he believes it gives him perspective and not to rest on his laurels.

"It doesn't make you spoiled. I think that makes you real."