The brilliant Jeffrey de Zwaan looked imperious as he won Players Championship 14 on Wednesday.It is a second senior PDC title for the Unicorn star as he fired in a succession of 100+ averages and thrashed Stephen Bunting 8-2 in the final at Barnsley.
The young Dutch star is now up to No.36 in the world rankings and his stock continues to rise. He also hit three of the top 10 averages over the two Pro Tour days in South Yorkshire.
What a way for De Zwaan to celebrate one year as a Unicorn player! He averaged over 100 for the tournament, including a 106.5 av in beating Unicorn stablemate Michael Smith.
“I just felt good all day,” he said. “Confidence has a lot to do with it and winning on the Unicorn Development Tour a couple of weeks ago certainly helped with that! I am learning how to handle the pressure and it is going to be another good year.”
De Zwaan hit big averages in beating Dave Chisnall and World Championship quarter-finalist Ryan Joyce. Then came a 103 average as he swept aside Arron Monk 7-3 in the semi-finals
Against Bunting, De Zwaan raced into a 4-0 and 6-1 lead with the help of two 11 dart legs. He won it in some style with a 12 darter and 107 finish.
It was a superb performance from a man who is tipped for the very top in the sport. By the way, De Zwaan also reached the quarter-finals of PC 13 on Tuesday.
********************
There was another terrific display from Team Unicorn youngster Harry Ward. He reached the quarter-finals beating Peter Wright a long the way. Joe Cullen was also a quarter-finalist while Jelle Klaasen’s upturn in form continued with a run to the last 16.
********************
The Players Championship Double-header in Barnsley also saw the long awaited return of Gary Anderson to competitive darts. Not surprisingly he was a touch rusty after being on the sidelines with that long-standing back problem, but the form and the results will come.
********************
It’s congratulations to Team Unicorn’s Ian White who reached the final of the German Darts Open at the weekend. He lost 8-3 to Michael Van Gerwen who won a 31st Euro Tour title. White beat Rob Cross, Adrian Lewis and Darren Webster on his way to another final.
*********************
Unicorn’s Australian ace Kyle Anderson is taking a well-earned break back home with the family. He will return for the next Players Championship events later this month.
********************
And talking of Australia, Team Unicorn referee Russ Bray is back Down Under taking charge of a series of events on the DPA circuit.
Report from STUART PYKE
