'I was convinced my darting days were over – now I’m optimistic' - Jules van Dongen to make ProTour return playing left-handed

Jules van Dongen has announced that he will return to the PDC Pro Tour next month – but this time as a left-hander. The US-based Dutchman confirmed he will compete in the final Players Championship events of the season as well as the Grand Slam of Darts qualifier.

The 33-year-old, nicknamed The Dutch Dragon, admitted he came close to walking away from the sport after a torrid spell with confidence and form. “After the World Cup my confidence and joy in the game was at an all-time low. I decided to fully commit to the left hand,” he wrote in a post on Facebook. “In July I was convinced my darting days were over, now I’m optimistic and hopeful.”

“I now have enough confidence and joy in playing darts"

Van Dongen explained that the change wasn’t a gimmick but a necessity. His throw had become so unreliable with his dominant right arm that he felt he had no way back. The drastic decision to rebuild himself as a southpaw has given him fresh motivation. “I now have enough confidence and joy in playing darts that I’m actually looking forward to going to England and playing on the Pro Tour one more time,” he added.

Although his immediate future on the PDC circuit is limited, Van Dongen has mapped out a longer-term plan. “Four years of Pro Tour is coming to an end in a few months. Q School is too early for me in January, but as I (hopefully) become more competitive left-handed I will pick tournaments on the WDF circuit to start building again. My goal is Q School 2027.”