Wessel Nijman continued his remarkable run in 2026 by adding another trophy to his collection, clinching his fourth Players Championship victory of the season and his fifth ranking title overall at the latest event held in Milton Keynes. The Dutchman, who already captured the European Darts Trophy back in March, demonstrated once again why he is one of the sport’s rising stars.
In the final of Players Championship 12, Nijman faced fellow Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena. The match unfolded as a tightly contested battle, but Nijman eventually pulled away to win 8‑5, completing a series of triumphs that also included wins at PC2, PC8 and PC10 earlier in the year. This victory not only added another accolade to his résumé but also propelled him into the world’s top‑16 for the first time, a milestone that reflects his rapid ascent in professional darts.
The tournament also featured a historic moment for women’s darts. Beau Greaves, who had made headlines just a day earlier by becoming the first female player to capture a PDC ranking title at PC11, was unable to repeat that success.
She was eliminated in the last‑16 round, suffering a 6‑0 whitewash at the hands of Andy Bissell. Bissell then continued his strong form, defeating Max Hopp 6‑3 in the quarter‑finals before meeting Nijman in the semi‑finals. In that semi, Bissell fell short, losing 7‑4 to the eventual champion.
The final showdown between Nijman and Wattimena began with both competitors trading blows. Wattimena, eager to claim his first ranking title since October, surged ahead early, establishing a 4‑2 lead through a series of precise, clinical finishes. However, Nijman’s composure under pressure proved decisive.
He responded by taking six of the next seven legs, turning the tide and ultimately sealing an 8‑5 victory. Reflecting on the match, Nijman admitted that the final felt “nervy” at times, especially after missing a few crucial doubles that temporarily put him behind. He praised his ability to stay calm, noting a pivotal moment when he hit a 57‑checkout to go 6‑5 up, a finish he described as “important.” He added that once everything clicks together in a final, the confidence carries forward into future games, reinforcing the mental edge required at the highest level. The tournament’s earlier rounds were packed with notable performances.
In the last‑16 stage, Nijman dispatched Ryan Searle 6‑3, while other results included Nathan Potter’s 6‑2 win over James Wade, Tom Bissell’s 6‑0 triumph over Beau Greaves, Max Hopp’s narrow 6‑5 victory over Darryl Pilgrim, and Chris Dobey’s dominant 6‑1 win against Chris Landman. Jermaine Wattimena also advanced with a 6‑2 win over Tommy Lishman, and Kevin Doets edged out Mike De Decker 6‑5. The quarter‑finals saw Nijman maintain his momentum with a 6‑2 win over Nathan Potter, and Tom Bissell overcame Max Hopp 6‑3.
Jermaine Wattimena continued his strong showing by beating Chris Dobey 6‑3, while Kevin Doets dispatched Gary Anderson 6‑1. In the semi‑finals, Nijman faced Tom Bissell and emerged victorious 7‑4, while Wattimena recorded a 7‑3 win over Kevin Doets, setting the stage for the decisive final. Beyond the tournament itself, the broader darts calendar remains busy.
Fans can look forward to the Premier League Darts, where defending champion Luke Humphries will seek to retain his title. The league runs every Thursday until May, with live coverage available on Sky Sports and streaming options through NOW.
For those wanting to stay updated on the latest darts action, Sky Sports offers a dedicated podcast, "Love the Darts," as well as a range of video highlights and analysis. Overall, Wessel Nijman’s fifth ranking title of the year underscores his growing dominance on the circuit. His ability to navigate high‑pressure situations, execute precise finishes, and maintain consistency across multiple events marks him as a formidable contender for future major championships.
As the season progresses, spectators can anticipate more thrilling matches, emerging rivalries, and the continued rise of new talent within the sport of darts.