Jelle Klaasen has easily qualified for the third round of the WDF World Championship. ‘The Cobra’ defeated Swede Edwin Torbjörnsson 3-0 in an impressive return to the Lakeside.
Klaasen averaged almost 94 and had to give up only one leg to his opponent. “I felt good. I think I controlled the game really nicely and yeah, my first dart was good so then it’s an easy easier game for me,” said the 39-year-old Dutchman in his post-match interview.
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In 2007, Klaasen last appeared in action at Lakeside (Klaasen then lost 3-0 to Co Stompé in the opening round). “I’ve been here in I think 2016 to watch, but to play here again still feels special,” said the 2006 BDO world champion.
Klaasen notices that he is not seen as a top favourite for this World Championship. “I don’t mind. I hope they they keep on talking about them the whole tournament and forget about me,” he laughs. “I know they’re in great form and they’re the favourites but I think, with my experience I can still beat them on this stage.”
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“On stage I feel really good and then it’s a little bit easier. I don’t really have nerves on stage so for me it’s just play and if I’m good enough I win, Klaasen concludes. “But you see a lot of players, they are nervous because it’s the first time and that’s a little advantage that I have.”
Klaasen will take on the winner of the duel between Darren Johnson and Dennie Olde Kalter on Thursday night in the last sixteen
