Wessel Nijman continued his remarkable early‑season surge by clinching his fourth Players Championship victory of the year – which also marked his fifth ranking title overall – 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 convincing 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 fastest‑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 woman ever to claim a Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) ranking title. However, her campaign ended in the last‑16 stage on Tuesday, where she was dispatched by Andy Bissell, who blanked her 6‑0.
Bissell then proceeded to defeat Max Hopp 6‑3 in the quarter‑finals before meeting Nijman in the semi‑finals. In that encounter, Nijman proved too strong, edging Bissell 7‑4 to secure his place in the championship match. The final pitted Nijman against Jermaine Wattimena, who had enjoyed a strong start to the contest.
Wattimena quickly built a 4‑2 lead, showcasing a series of precise, high‑scoring finishes that suggested he might be on the verge of his first ranking title since October of the previous year. Yet Nijman displayed remarkable composure, capturing six of the next seven legs and ultimately sealing an 8‑5 victory. After the match, the champion admitted the final had been "nervy" and that a few missed doubles had put him behind early on.
He praised his ability to stay focused, noting a decisive 57‑checkout that put him ahead 6‑5 and proved pivotal in the closing stages. Nijman's win not only added another trophy to his growing collection but also propelled him into the world’s top‑16 for the first time, overtaking Wattimena in the rankings. His steady rise reflects a broader trend of Dutch dominance on the PDC circuit, with several compatriots consistently reaching the latter stages of major events. For fans looking to relive the action, the tournament’s video coverage is best experienced through a Chrome browser, which offers a more accessible player.
In addition to live streams, Sky Sports provides highlights, analysis, and a dedicated darts podcast titled "Love the Darts," where experts dissect performances and discuss upcoming fixtures. The event’s full results were 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 Looking ahead, the darts calendar remains packed with high‑profile events.
The Premier League Darts, for instance, will see defending champion Luke Humphries aim to retain his title, with matches broadcast every Thursday until May on Sky Sports. Viewers can also stream the competition and other top‑tier sporting action via the NOW platform. Beyond the immediate results, Nijman's achievement underscores the depth of talent emerging in 2026.
His ability to win multiple ranking events within a short span demonstrates not only personal skill but also a growing confidence that could see him challenge for even larger titles, such as the World Championship, in the coming months. Meanwhile, Greaves’ historic breakthrough continues to inspire a new generation of female players, suggesting that the gender gap in professional darts may be narrowing faster than anticipated.
Fans are encouraged to stay updated through Sky Sports' WhatsApp channel, which delivers the latest news, video highlights, feature stories, and in‑depth analysis directly to subscribers. Whether you’re tracking the rise of a new Dutch powerhouse or following the trailblazing path of a pioneering woman in the sport, 2026 promises an exciting narrative for darts enthusiasts worldwide.