Danny Noppert is having a successful year, but the Dutchman has lost to both Luke Littler and Luke Humphries in recent semi-finals.
Danny Noppert has revealed that the ‘only problem’ he faces in what has been a personally triumphant year is the formidable challenge posed by world number one and two Luke Littler and Luke Humphries. The Dutchman has suffered defeats to both stars in recent months.
Just last week, Noppert endured 16-9 loss to Littler in the Grand Slam of Darts semi-final. That setback followed an 8-11 defeat against Humphries in the European Championships semi-final less than a month earlier.
The 34-year-old returned to competitive action on Friday, securing a commanding 6-2 victory over Ricky Evans at the Players Championship Finals in Minehead. Both Littler and Humphries are also competing in the tournament.
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Speaking to Ladbrokes following his triumph, Noppert commented: “I have good memories down here in Minehead – it was cold up on the stage though; I didn’t expect the 104 average.
“My trebles were going well and I’m really happy with my performance today.
“I think this is my best year so far – I feel really steady right now. The only problem is the Lukes [Littler and Humphries]… they are bullying me!
“I try my best, and the way I’m playing right now I’d say it’s the best year I’ve had.
“It’s not just about playing well here as the last big one before the Worlds – the way I see it, every tournament is just as important. European Tours, Players Championships… whatever it is, I always want to win.”
Noppert reached the semi-final stage of this competition 12 months ago. He’s revealed that he will be monitoring developments closely when he’s away from the oche.
He also disclosed who he’d be rooting for if he were to be knocked out of the tournament. “As long as I’m still in a competition, I’ll watch the other matches as much as I can, because I’m still a darts fan,” he expressed.
“If I’m out, then I don’t want to watch!
“But if I’m still in, I like to watch the other players. Hopefully I’ll sleep well tonight ahead of a big match on Saturday.
“If it’s not me winning the tournament this weekend, I’d want Luke Littler to win.
“He’s above me [in the PDC Order of Merit], so it doesn’t matter if he wins it!”
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