Wessel Nijman continued his remarkable run at the start of the 2026 season by clinching his fourth Players Championship victory of the year – which also marked his fifth ranking title overall – at the latest event held in Milton Keynes. The Dutch prodigy, who had already added the European Darts Trophy to his résumé back in March, delivered a commanding 8‑5 win over fellow countryman Jermaine Wattimena in the all‑Dutch final of Players Championship 12. This triumph followed earlier successes at PC2, PC8 and PC10, cementing Nijman's status as one of the sport's rising stars.
The tournament also featured a historic moment for women's darts. Beau Greaves made headlines on Monday night when she captured PC11, becoming the first female player ever to secure a PDC ranking title.
However, her campaign was cut short on Tuesday when she fell in the last‑16 stage. After a swift 6‑0 whitewash at the hands of Andy Bissell, Greaves managed a 6‑3 victory over Max Hopp in the quarter‑finals, but was unable to maintain her momentum against Bissell in the semi‑finals, losing 7‑4. Nijman's path to the final was equally impressive.
In the early rounds he dispatched Ryan Searle 6‑3 and then overcame Nathan Potter 6‑2. He continued his dominance by beating James Wade 6‑0, before meeting Andy Bissell, who had just eliminated Greaves. Nijman handled Bissell with a 6‑3 win, setting up a semi‑final clash with Jermaine Wattimena.
The Dutchman proved his composure under pressure, outscoring Wattimena 7‑4 to book his place in the championship match. The final itself was a showcase of high‑quality darts and strategic play. Wattimena started strongly, establishing a 4‑2 lead with precise finishing and a series of well‑timed checkouts. Nijman, however, demonstrated resilience, winning six of the next seven legs to swing the momentum in his favour.
He eventually sealed the match 8‑5, a result that not only added another trophy to his cabinet but also propelled him into the world’s top‑16 rankings for the first time in his career. Reflecting on his performance, Nijman described the final as "kind of a nervy" affair. He admitted that missing a few doubles early on had put him behind, but he managed to stay composed and capitalize on crucial moments, such as a decisive 57‑checkout that gave him a 6‑5 edge.
"When everything clicks together and you’ve been playing those games all day, you remember it the next time you step onto the stage," he said, highlighting the importance of confidence and consistency in high‑stakes matches. The tournament featured a full slate of results across the various stages: **Last‑16** - Wessel Nijman 6‑3 Ryan Searle - Nathan Potter 6‑2 James Wade - Tom Bissell 6‑0 Beau Greaves - Max Hopp 6‑5 Darryl Pilgrim - Chris Dobey 6‑1 Chris Landman - Jermaine Wattimena 6‑2 Tommy Lishman - Kevin Doets 6‑5 Mike De Decker - Gary Anderson 6‑3 Alexander Merkx **Quarter‑finals** - Wessel Nijman 6‑2 Nathan Potter - Tom Bissell 6‑3 Max Hopp - Jermaine Wattimena 6‑3 Chris Dobey - Kevin Doets 6‑1 Gary Anderson **Semi‑finals** - Wessel Nijman 7‑4 Tom Bissell - Jermaine Wattimena 7‑3 Kevin Doets **Final** - Wessel Nijman 8‑5 Jermaine Wattimena Beyond the immediate results, Nijman's victory has broader implications for the darts calendar.
His ascent into the top‑16 opens up new opportunities for seedings in upcoming major events, and his consistent form makes him a serious contender for the Premier League Darts title later in the year. Speaking of the Premier League, Luke Humphries will be defending his crown, with matches scheduled every Thursday until May on Sky Sports. Fans can also stream live darts action and other top‑tier sports through the NOW platform. For those interested in catching up on the latest highlights, video recaps are available on the official Sky Sports website, and a dedicated darts podcast—"Love the Darts"—offers in‑depth analysis and interviews with players.
Additionally, Sky Sports maintains a WhatsApp channel that delivers real‑time updates, video clips, and expert commentary to subscribers. Overall, the Milton Keynes event underscored the growing depth of talent in professional darts. While established names like Gary Anderson and James Wade continue to showcase their skill, emerging players such as Wessel Nijman and Beau Greaves are reshaping the competitive landscape.
Their performances not only provide thrilling entertainment for fans but also inspire the next generation of dart enthusiasts worldwide.