Wessel Nijman continued his remarkable early‑season form 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, delivered a decisive 8-5 win over fellow countryman Jermaine Wattimena in the all‑Dutch showdown of Players Championship 12, following earlier triumphs at PC2, PC8 and PC10. The tournament also featured a historic moment for women's darts when Beau Greaves became the first female competitor to capture a PDC ranking title by winning PC11 earlier in the week. However, her run was halted in the round of 16 on Tuesday.
Greaves was white‑washed 6-0 by Andy Bissell, who then proceeded to defeat Max Hopp 6-3 in the quarter‑finals before meeting Nijman in the semi‑finals. In that encounter Bissell could not maintain his momentum and fell 7-4 to Nijman, setting up the final clash with Wattimena. In the championship match, Wattimena started brightly, taking an early 4-2 lead as he sought his first ranking title since October. Nijman, however, found his rhythm and claimed six of the next seven legs, turning the tide and ultimately sealing an 8-5 victory.
After the win, Nijman admitted the final had been tense: "I missed a few doubles and found myself behind, which made it a bit nerve‑wracking," he said. "But I stayed composed, especially when I hit a crucial 57 checkout to go 6-5 ahead. Those moments make the difference in a final after a long day of matches." The win propelled Nijman into the world’s top 16 for the first time, overtaking Wattimena in the rankings. His path to the title was marked by consistent high‑scoring and clinical finishing, qualities that have become his trademark throughout the season.
Below is a summary of the key results from the tournament: **Last‑16 results** - 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 ascent underscores a broader shift in the competitive landscape of professional darts. His ability to string together multiple ranking victories in a single season mirrors the dominance once exhibited by legends such as Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor. Moreover, his breakthrough into the top 16 signals a new generation of talent ready to challenge the established order. The tournament also highlighted the growing prominence of women’s darts, with Beau Greaves’ historic PC11 win drawing significant attention.
Although her campaign ended in the last‑16, her performance has inspired many and demonstrated that female players can compete at the highest level. The sport’s governing bodies have responded by expanding opportunities for women, including more mixed‑gender events and dedicated ranking tournaments. Looking ahead, fans can anticipate further excitement as the Premier League Darts season approaches. Defending champion Luke Humphries will be looking to retain his title, with matches scheduled every Thursday until May on Sky Sports.
The league will feature a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars like Nijman, promising a compelling narrative of rivalry and ambition. For those wanting to stay up‑to‑date, Sky Sports offers live streaming, highlights, and a dedicated darts podcast. Additionally, viewers can follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest news, video clips, and in‑depth analysis.
The platform also provides a more accessible video player for Chrome users, ensuring a smooth viewing experience for fans worldwide. In summary, Wessel Nijman's fifth ranking title of 2026 not only cements his status as a rising force in the sport but also adds another chapter to an already eventful season. His victory, combined with Beau Greaves' groundbreaking achievement, reflects a dynamic and evolving darts landscape where new talent and historic milestones coexist, promising an exhilarating future for the game.