INTERVIEW - Geert Nentjes shares 'strange mindset' at beginning of legs: 'I want to hit a nine-darter every leg'

The Dutchman learned a lot from his World Championship debut last year, he told Dartsnews in an interview. Nentjes lost in straight sets to Nathan Aspinall, despite having multiple chances to win the third set.

''Last year was a very nice experience. I thought it might be the only time I could play there. The approach was to enjoy. I noticed that I was not nervous when I stood on the stage. So if I had concentrated better, I would have had the chance to win that match.''

Is the biggest difference that you 'could' win then and want to win now? ''Yes, you can say it like that. Last year I didn't mind losing. This time I would be dissatisfied if I don't win my first game.''

Nentjes will play on the opening night of the 2020 PDC World Darts Championship against Kim Huybrechts in the first round. The Belgian made two Premier League appearances in the past and also reached two TV finals. However the Belgian dropped to a 41st position on the PDC Order of Merit over the last two years.

Huybrechts has certainly shown strong performances over the past few months, but is still not consistent enough to have deep runs in tournaments. ''Maybe that's my chance'', Nentjes said. ''Kim said he wants to make up his year at the World Championship, so maybe that is adding some pressure to him. Maybe I can take some advantage of that.''

This year Nentjes appeared for a first time on the PDC Pro Tour. A new experience where he looks back on with mixsed feelings. ''My best result was a place in the last sixteen, that's not very good, also I didn't qualify for the Players Championship Finals. But for a first year I think I can't complain. I played a few nice matches and beat some good players and I'm satisfied with that.''

What was the best win? ''Beating Gary Anderson 6-1 was a nice one and also defeating Glen Durrant 6-5. Winning 6-0 against Mervyn King with a nine-darter and 107 average was also one of the highlights.''

Hitting nine-darters, Nentjes did more than once this season. He hit three of them, one less than world number one Michael van Gerwen. ''I always want to start my legs very well. I have a strange mindset with that. When I have two darts in the treble, then I know the third dart will follow as well. I'm thinking of a nine-darter every leg and I want to throw them every leg.''

Meanwhile James Wade is wearing the nickname The Machine, as he was nicknamed 009 in 2007. It was a take on on James Bond's 007, after producing three nine-dart finishes in 2006. Does Nentjes want to take over that nickname?

''My nickname in my residence is De Zoet, which means The Sweet in English. I don't want that as my nickname. I don't know if 009 is appropriate because James Wade used it before, but it would be a nice nickname.''