'That’s why he’s in the top 16 in the world' - Noppert garners praise after fine comeback at World Grand Prix

Vincent van der Voort believes Danny Noppert once again proved his class on Monday night, surviving a stern first-round test against Jermaine Wattimena at the World Grand Prix. Despite an early scare, Noppert battled back to claim a 2–1 victory in sets and move into the last 16.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Darts Draait Door podcast, Van der Voort reflected in detail on Noppert’s comeback win over his fellow Dutchman at the World Grand Prix. “The match was exciting and at times very good,” he began. “His doubles, which Danny is usually known for, didn’t go so well this time, but his scoring was excellent. That’s why he’s in the top 16 in the world. He wasn’t comfortable at all after the first set — Wattimena really had him under pressure.”

After a slow start, Noppert found his rhythm in the second set and completely turned the match on its head with strong scoring and trademark mental resilience. “He was walking a tightrope, but he fought his way back,” said Van der Voort. “He’s a very tough player and managed to drag himself over the line. That was a superb victory because it really didn’t come easy. It shows exactly why he’s been among the world’s top 16 for so long. Many players would have lost a match like that after such a poor start.”

The match reached its climax when Noppert sealed victory with a stunning 158 checkout — followed by a rare roar of celebration. “That’s something new from Danny,” Van der Voort noted. “He’s showing a bit more emotion now, a bit more aggression. I thought he was brilliant. It was a fantastic win, and that’s what separates the elite from the rest. Noppert’s been doing this for years — he’s always there when it matters.”

Nijman struggles on debut

It wasn’t a perfect night for the Dutch contingent in Leicester, however. Wessel Nijman endured a tough debut at the World Grand Prix, falling to Rob Cross after missing several key chances.

“If it had been a normal format, he probably would have won fairly easily,” Van der Voort assessed. “But this double-in format was new for him, and he struggled to adapt.”

Van der Voort believes there’s a recurring issue in Nijman’s game when matches get tense. “Once it gets tight, the best of him doesn’t always come out,” he explained. “That’s becoming a bit of a thing for him. And in a set-play format like this, with so many pressure moments, that really works against him.”