Wessel Nijman continued his remarkable early‑season surge by clinching his fourth Players Championship victory and, overall, his fifth ranking title of the 2026 calendar year at the latest event held in Milton Keynes. The Dutchman, who had already added the European Darts Trophy to his résumé back in March, demonstrated once again why he is rapidly becoming a dominant force on the PDC circuit. In the final of Players Championship 12, Nijman faced fellow Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena.
The match unfolded as a tightly contested affair, but Nijman ultimately prevailed with an 8‑5 scoreline, securing his third triumph in a row after previous wins at PC2, PC8 and PC10. The victory not only added another trophy to his growing collection but also propelled him into the world top‑16 for the first time, a milestone that underscores his rapid ascent in the sport.
The tournament also featured a historic moment for women's darts. Beau Greaves, who made headlines earlier in the week by becoming the first woman ever to capture a PDC ranking title at PC11, saw her run come to an end in the last‑16 round. After a dominant 6‑0 whitewash of Greaves by Andy Bissell, the Englishman advanced to the quarter‑finals where he defeated Max Hopp 6‑3 before meeting Nijman in the semi‑finals.
In that semi, Bissell was unable to maintain his momentum and fell 7‑4 to the in‑form Nijman, setting up the all‑Dutch final. The final itself began with Wattimena taking an early 4‑2 lead, showcasing his clinical finishing and putting pressure on Nijman. However, the Dutch champion quickly turned the tide, winning six of the next seven legs to seal an 8‑5 victory.
After the match, Nijman described the experience as "a kind of nervy final," noting that missed doubles had put him behind early on. He praised his composure under pressure, especially a crucial 57‑checkout that gave him a 6‑5 edge and ultimately proved decisive. Nijman's triumph is significant for several reasons.
It marks his fifth ranking title in just the first few months of 2026, a feat rarely achieved by players so early in a season. Moreover, his rise into the top‑16 rankings reflects a broader shift in the competitive landscape, where younger talent is increasingly challenging established veterans.
The win also adds to the narrative of Dutch dominance in recent PDC events, with multiple Dutch players featuring prominently throughout the tournament. Beyond the headline matches, the event featured a series of noteworthy performances.
In the last‑16 stage, Nijman dispatched Ryan Searle 6‑3, while Nathan Potter fell 6‑2 to James Wade. Tom Bissell recorded a flawless 6‑0 victory over Beau Greaves, and Max Hopp edged out Darryl Pilgrim 6‑5.
Chris Dobey and Gary Anderson both posted comfortable wins, with Anderson beating Alexander Merkx 6‑3. The quarter‑finals saw Nijman continue his dominant form, beating Nathan Potter 6‑2, while Tom Bissell overcame Max Hopp 6‑3.
Jermaine Wattimena dispatched Chris Dobey 6‑3, and Gary Anderson overcame Kevin Doets 6‑1. In the semi‑finals, Nijman overcame Bissell 7‑4, and Wattimena beat Doets 7‑3, setting up the decisive clash. Looking ahead, fans are already turning their attention to the Premier League Darts, where defending champion Luke Humphries will be looking to retain his title.
The league runs weekly on Thursday evenings until May, with live coverage on Sky Sports and streaming options via NOW. The upcoming season promises more high‑stakes drama, and Nijman's recent form suggests he could be a serious contender for future titles. For those following the sport, additional resources include the "Love the Darts" podcast, which offers in‑depth analysis and interviews, as well as Sky Sports' video highlights and live streaming options. Viewers are encouraged to use Chrome for the best video player experience and can stay updated via Sky Sports' WhatsApp channel for the latest news, videos, and expert commentary.
Overall, Wessel Nijman's fifth ranking victory of 2026 not only cements his status as a rising star but also adds another exciting chapter to a season already rich with historic achievements and memorable performances.