Van Duijvenbode sets sights on World Matchplay after latest Players Championship title: “Now I think I am capable”

In a period where the darting elite aren’t at their best form wise and are jaded from the calendar, Dirk van Duijvenbode has been among those producing his best form sealing his latest Players Championship title on Friday with a stunning whitewash win over Gabriel Clemens.

"The top three at the moment are not in the best form they have ever been, and so the rest start fancying their chances," said the Dutchman.

"Luke Humphries has won loads of titles recently and I can do it too. I beat him today, and I have gone on to win the title.

"If you want to beat me now, you have to play well."

Now as well he believes he is a winner and can go on to seal the World Matchplay at the end of this month.

"In all the other interviews I would have said no, but now I think I am capable [of winning the World Matchplay]," he said.

"I think the PDC is a great road to becoming a top player. You play in events like this, and then you go to European Tours with the cameras and crowd and start winning there, and then it’s a small step to the big stage.

"I used to be bothered by those sort of things, but the experience now means I am used to it and now I am here as a winner."