Wessel Nijman continued his remarkable surge through the 2026 darts calendar by clinching his fourth Players Championship victory of the season – which also marked his fifth ranking title overall – at the latest event held in Milton Keynes. The Dutch prodigy, who had already added the European Darts Trophy to his résumé back in March, delivered a composed 8‑5 win over fellow countryman Jermaine Wattimena in the final of Players Championship 12. This triumph followed a string of successes earlier in the year, including titles at PC2, PC8 and PC10, underscoring Nijman's growing dominance on the professional circuit.
The tournament also featured a historic moment for women's darts. Beau Greaves, who made headlines on Monday night by winning PC11 and becoming the first woman ever to capture a PDC ranking title, saw her campaign end in the last‑16 stage on Tuesday. Greaves was dispatched in a one‑sided 6‑0 whitewash by Andy Bissell, who then proceeded to beat Max Hopp 6‑3 in the quarter‑finals before meeting Nijman in the semi‑finals. In that semi, Bissell was unable to sustain his earlier form and fell 7‑4 to the in‑form Nijman, handing the Dutchman a place in the championship match.
The final pitted Nijman against Jermaine Wattimena, another Dutch competitor who had been playing confidently throughout the tournament. Wattimena started strongly, using precise combination finishing to build an early 4‑2 lead.
He appeared to be on track for his first ranking title since October of the previous year. However, Nijman responded with a surge of consistency, taking six of the next seven legs and ultimately sealing an 8‑5 victory that not only awarded him the trophy but also propelled him into the world’s top‑16 for the first time in his career.
Reflecting on the match, Nijman described the experience as "a bit of a nerve‑wracking final". He admitted that missed doubles had put him behind early on, but he managed to regain composure and hit crucial checkouts, including a decisive 57‑checkout that gave him a 6‑5 edge. "When everything clicks together and you’ve been playing those high‑pressure games all day, it sticks with you for the next match," he said, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience in tight contests. The event also highlighted the depth of talent across the field.
In the last‑16 round, notable results included Nijman’s 6‑3 win over Ryan Searle, Nathan Potter’s 6‑2 triumph over James Wade, and Tom Bissell’s dominant 6‑0 victory against Beau Greaves. Max Hopp edged past Darryl Pilgrim 6‑5, while Chris Dobey dispatched Chris Landman 6‑1. The quarter‑finals saw Nijman comfortably defeat Nathan Potter 6‑2, Bissell overcome Max Hopp 6‑3, and Wattimena dispatch Chris Dobey 6‑3, setting the stage for the semi‑final match‑ups.
In the semi‑finals, Nijman displayed his championship credentials with a 7‑4 win over Tom Bissell, while Wattimena overcame Kevin Doets 7‑3 to secure his place in the final. The final itself was a showcase of high‑quality darts, with Nijman’s steady scoring and timely finishes proving decisive. His victory not only adds another title to his burgeoning collection but also cements his position among the elite, as he joins the top‑16 for the first time. 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 aim to retain his crown. The league runs every Thursday until May and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available through NOW for those who prefer online viewing.
For those following the sport, additional content such as highlights, podcasts, and analysis can be accessed via Sky Sports’ platforms, including the "Love the Darts" podcast and regular updates on WhatsApp. The sport’s governing bodies continue to promote accessibility, urging viewers to use modern browsers like Chrome for the best video experience. In summary, Wessel Nijman’s fifth ranking title of 2026 underscores his rapid ascent in professional darts. His ability to navigate pressure situations, combined with a string of consistent performances across multiple Players Championships, marks him as a rising star to watch.
Meanwhile, Beau Greaves’ historic breakthrough earlier in the season remains a milestone for women's darts, illustrating the growing inclusivity and competitiveness of the sport. As the season progresses, both established veterans and emerging talents will vie for further glory, ensuring that the darts world remains vibrant and compelling for fans worldwide.