"It's a dream coming true" - Wesley Plaisier overcomes nerves to triumph on Lakeside debut

Wesley Plaisier made an excellent start to his WDF World Championship at Lakeside. The fifth-seeded Dutchman defeated Englishman Reece Colley 3-1 to get up and running.

Plaisier averaged almost 89 in the match. "I'm really happy with the win. I was so nervous in the first two sets and the break came at the perfect moment. After the break, I was a little bit calmer and a little bit more relaxed on the stage. I felt more like at home," said the 33-year-old Dutchman in his post-match interview.

For Plaisier, it was a pleasant introduction to Lakeside Country Club, a venue where many of his darting heroes have performed over the years. "I'm really proud because when I was watching the Lakeside 15/16 years ago, I was thinking 'I want to be there one time' and yeah, I'm here so it's a dream coming true. Hopefully I can start my next match more relaxed from the start though."

Plaisier unsuccessfully went for his chance at Q-School early this year. "Yeah the first three months of the year were not too good," he reflects honestly. "But after that I recovered and yeah, the last year was something I couldn't even dream about. To win the World Masters, to be here, it's just all something like a dream."

By many followers, Plaisier is seen as one of the top favourites to win this World Championship. "I get it too and if I reach my level I can definitely win from anyone. However, I just want to watch it match by match and then we'll see how far I get."