“You’re friends off stage; on stage you’re enemies" - Jimmy van Schie ready for quarter-final clash with reigning WDF world champion at Lakeside

With a powerful performance on the iconic Lakeside stage, Jimmy van Schie booked his place in the quarter-finals of the WDF World Championships. Although clearly pleased with the victory, the Dutchman was also quick to point out aspects of his game that frustrated him — a mindset that reflects a player edging ever closer to the international elite.

Immediately after the win, Van Schie admitted he was torn. “I’m happy that I’ve won, but I’m also a bit disappointed because my doubles didn’t go the way I wanted,” he said. “My scoring was really good, and the thing that I practised was my doubles, but they just didn’t go. But on the important moments, I’ve got there and that makes me win the match.”

It was clear that Van Schie has now settled into life on the Lakeside Country Club stage, helped by the atmosphere and the support of the crowd. “Way more comfortable than last year,” he explained. “When I lost the game last year against Jarno I felt so disappointed, but I gained experience and I’m using that now. It’s helping me to win the games I’m playing right now. I feel very comfortable on the stage. I like it here — nice venue, nice people — so I’m feeling good.”

Where some players carry past defeats with them, Van Schie prefers to let them go quickly. Last year’s second-round exit no longer weighed on his mind. “I just try to forget as quick as possible the matches that I’ve lost,” he said. “When I get reminded then yes of course I know, but now I feel good.”

Although Paul Krohne — a close friend off stage — put him under early pressure with a series of big finishes, Van Schie stayed composed and found his strongest darts when it mattered. “That’s one of my strongest points,” he said. “I think I outscored him the whole game. I missed a few doubles and I gave him the chance to check out and he did everything right. He played very well. But if I check out, he gets no chance.”

For Van Schie, the win felt justified. “I finally got what I deserved in that game,” he added. “But all credits to Paul as well for making it a nice game for the fans.”

Facing a friend added a strange dynamic, but both handled it well. “It’s a bit odd when you have to play each other and don’t speak anymore,” he laughed. “You’re friends off stage; on stage you’re enemies — and it should be like that. But don’t avoid each other in the back room. We just had a little practice, a little chat. He’s a really good guy and I wish him the best.”

In the quarter-finals, Van Schie will face the reigning world champion, Shane McGurk — a familiar opponent with whom he has shared the oche many times. “Me and Shane have got some history,” he said. “We’ve played a lot of games against each other already, so we’ll see what’s going to happen tomorrow. May the best man win.”

And the head-to-head record? Van Schie laughed: “You would have to look it up. I don’t know anymore, but it’s pretty close, I think.”