Wessel Nijman continued his remarkable run at the start of the 2026 season by clinching his fourth Players Championship title – and his fifth ranking victory of the year – at the latest event held in Milton Keynes. The Dutchman, who already added the European Darts Trophy to his résumé back in March, produced a composed 8‑5 win over fellow countryman Jermaine Wattimena in an all‑Dutch showdown at Players Championship 12. This triumph followed earlier successes 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 made headlines on Monday night when she captured PC11, becoming the first female player ever to secure a PDC ranking title. However, her momentum stalled on Tuesday when she was eliminated in the last‑16 round. After a crushing 6‑0 whitewash at the hands of Andy Bissell, Greaves managed to recover enough to beat Max Hopp 6‑3 in the quarter‑finals, only to run into Bissell again in the semi‑finals.
Bissell, who had been in fine form, ultimately fell 7‑4 to Nijman, ending Greaves’ impressive run. The final pitted Nijman against Wattimena, a match that began with Wattimena taking an early 4‑2 lead thanks to a series of precise, clinical finishes. Nijman, however, responded with a surge of confidence, taking six of the next seven legs to turn the tide and seal an 8‑5 victory.
In post‑match comments, Nijman described the contest as “a bit of a nerve‑wracking final.” He admitted that missing a few doubles early on had put him behind, but he managed to stay composed. "I’m really happy I kept my head together," he said. "There were a couple of crucial finishes – the 57 to go 6‑5 up was especially important. When everything clicks in a final, especially after a long day of games, you remember that feeling the next time you step onto the oche." Nijman's win also propelled him into the world’s top‑16 for the first time, overtaking Wattimena in the rankings.
The victory is a testament to his consistency across multiple events this year, as he has now amassed five ranking titles – a feat that few players achieve so early in a season. For fans looking to follow the action, Sky Sports continues to broadcast live darts coverage, with highlights and full match replays available via the NOW streaming platform.
The network also offers a dedicated darts podcast, "Love the Darts," where listeners can hear in‑depth analysis, player interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes stories from the tour. Additionally, Sky Sports maintains an active presence on WhatsApp, delivering up‑to‑date news, video clips, and expert commentary directly to subscribers. Below is a summary of the tournament’s progression, illustrating the depth of competition: **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 Looking ahead, the darts calendar remains packed with high‑stakes events.
The Premier League Darts will see defending champion Luke Humphries aim to retain his title, with matches scheduled every Thursday until May on Sky Sports. Fans can continue to stream these contests and other major tournaments via NOW, ensuring they never miss a moment of the sport’s excitement. In summary, Nijman’s fifth ranking title of 2026 not only highlights his personal skill and mental fortitude but also signals a shifting landscape in professional darts, where emerging talents are challenging established names.
Meanwhile, Greaves’ groundbreaking achievement earlier in the week continues to inspire a new generation of female players, even as she faced a tough exit in the last‑16. The sport’s growing diversity and competitive depth promise an exhilarating season for players and supporters alike.