Wessel Nijman continued his remarkable early‑season surge by clinching his fourth Players Championship title and, overall, his fifth ranking triumph of 2026 at the most recent 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 final of Players Championship 12.
This victory followed a string of successes that included wins at PC2, PC8 and PC10, underscoring Nijman's growing dominance on the PDC circuit. The tournament also featured a historic moment for women's darts.
Beau Greaves, who had made headlines earlier in the week by becoming the first female competitor to capture a PDC ranking title when she won PC11, saw her run cut short in the round of 16. She was overwhelmed by Andy Bissell, who dispatched her with a clean 6‑0 whitewash. Bissell then continued his strong form by defeating Max Hopp 6‑3 in the quarter‑finals, but his momentum stalled in the semi‑finals when he met Nijman. The Dutch star proved too powerful, edging Bissell 7‑4 to book his place in the final.
In the championship match, Nijman faced Jermaine Wattimena, who had established an early 4‑2 lead and appeared poised to claim his first ranking title since October of the previous year. However, Nijman's composure under pressure proved decisive. He captured six of the next seven legs, turning the tide and ultimately securing an 8‑5 victory.
After the match, Nijman admitted the final had been tense, noting that missed doubles had briefly put him behind. "It was a pretty nervous finish," he said. "I missed a few doubles early on, but I managed to stay calm and pull through." The win propelled Nijman into the world’s top 16 for the first time, a milestone that reflects his rapid ascent in the sport.
He highlighted a crucial moment when he hit a 57‑checkout to go 6‑5 ahead, describing it as a turning point that helped him maintain his composure. "When everything clicks together and you’ve been playing all day, you remember those moments in future matches," Nijman explained. The event featured a full slate of matches leading up to the final.
In the last‑16 stage, notable results included Nijman’s 6‑3 victory over Ryan Searle, Nathan Potter’s 6‑2 win against James Wade, and Tom Bissell’s dominant 6‑0 triumph over Beau Greaves. Max Hopp edged out Darryl Pilgrim 6‑5, while Chris Dobey comfortably beat Chris Landman 6‑1. Jermaine Wattimena dispatched Tommy Lishman 6‑2, and Kevin Doets survived a tight 6‑5 battle with Mike De Decker.
The quarter‑finals saw Nijman continue his strong run with a 6‑2 win over Nathan Potter, while Tom Bissell overcame Max Hopp 6‑3. Jermaine Wattimena defeated Chris Dobey 6‑3, and Kevin Doets bested Gary Anderson 6‑1, setting up a semi‑final lineup that featured the tournament’s biggest names.
In the semi‑finals, Nijman overcame Tom Bissell 7‑4, and Wattimena dispatched Kevin Doets 7‑3, confirming the Dutch duo’s place in the championship match. The final itself was a showcase of high‑quality darts, with both players exchanging heavy scoring and strategic finishes.
Nijman's ability to recover from early setbacks and his precise finishing under pressure ultimately secured his 8‑5 win. Beyond the tournament itself, the broader darts calendar continues to generate excitement.
Fans are already looking ahead to the Premier League Darts, where defending champion Luke Humphries will seek to retain his title. The league runs weekly on Thursday evenings until May, with live coverage available on Sky Sports and streaming options through NOW. For those interested in following the sport more closely, Sky Sports offers a range of darts content, including highlights, analysis, and podcasts such as "Love the Darts." The network also provides updates via WhatsApp, delivering the latest news, videos, and features directly to subscribers. Overall, Wessel Nijman's fifth ranking title of the year not only cements his status as a rising star but also highlights the depth of talent currently thriving on the PDC tour.
His breakthrough into the top 16 marks a significant career milestone, and his performance in Milton Keynes suggests he will be a formidable contender in upcoming major events. Meanwhile, Beau Greaves' historic PC11 win continues to inspire discussions about the growing prominence of women in professional darts, even as she seeks to build on her breakthrough with further successes. The tournament's comprehensive results are as follows: 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 These results underscore the competitive nature of the Players Championship series and set the stage for an exciting remainder of the 2026 darts season.