For Arjan Konterman, qualification for Lakeside came as a surprise: "Almost didn't even make it to the qualifying tournament"

Arjan Konterman will make his debut at the WDF World Championship next month. The 33-year-old Dutchman will take on Australian Danny Porter in the opening round at Lakeside Country Club.

Konterman's qualification came as a bit of a surprise. "I was supposed to drive to the qualifying tournament with a friend late last year. But in the morning we were immediately saddled with a problem, as his car turned out to be defective. Eventually another friend took me there anyway and so I managed to qualify for Lakeside," Konterman laughed to Darts Actueel.

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Konterman mainly played PDC tournaments in the past. "True, actually I only participated in the Dutch Open at the WDF. There it went particularly well and I managed to reach the semi-finals. So I find it difficult to estimate what my level is within the WDF, I have hardly any experience within that association. Getting through the first round is my ambition, after that we'll see round by round."

Still, Konterman is not heading to England without experience. "Certainly at the Modus Super Series I have already been able to gain some stage experience, although I do realize that it cannot be compared to Lakeside. Last year I also managed to qualify for the Dutch Darts Championship, in a full house there I lost in the first round to Danny Noppert. I have also become calmer over the years, I used to be very nervous every time before a match."

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The PDC remains Konterman's ultimate goal. "After Lakeside I will definitely move to Q-School to try to conquer a Tour Card there. But if I have to choose between winning Lakeside and the UK Open, do Lakeside anyway," he laughed.

If Konterman survives his first round, he will take on his 13th-seeded compatriot Alexander Merkx in the second round.

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