Wessel Nijman will begin his first World Darts Championship at the PDC next month. In the opening round, he will take on darts legend Steve Beaton.
Nijman reacted to the draw on Viaplay. “It’s nice to get to play against such a legend, so this is quite a nice draw,” he said.
Also read
Draw revealed for the 2024 World Darts Championship: Michael Smith could begin defence of his crown against Grand Slam revelation Stowe Buntz
Beaton meanwhile, begins his 33rd consecutive World Championship (BDO and PDC combined) in mid-December, a record no one can match. The now 59-year-old Englishman recorded his greatest triumph in 1996 by winning the BDO World Championship at Lakeside.
“But I think Nijman will still be a favourite at the betting shops,” said commentator Jacques Nieuwlaat. “Especially since Beaton hasn’t done great at a World Championship in recent years.”
Nijman, however, doesn’t quite agree. “I also just prefer to be the underdog,” he says. “That role suits me better. I also don’t see myself as a favorite for that match at all.“
The winner of the match between Nijman and Beaton will take on 27th-seeded Northern Irishman Daryl Gurney in the second round.
