'They should send some Polish guys over, they'll do a decent job plastering': Jermaine Wattimena berates lack of practice facilities

Jermaine Wattimena produced one of the shocks of the tournament on Sunday night, knocking out former World Champion Peter Wright in emphatic fashion at the Winter Gardens. It was not only a statement win, but also the Dutchman’s first-ever victory on the iconic Blackpool stage.

However, despite his on-stage success, Wattimena did not hold back in criticising the preparation conditions behind the scenes — taking aim at the PDC’s lack of practice facilities during the World Matchplay.

Speaking to Sportnieuws.nl after his win, Wattimena expressed his frustration. "It’s not very well organised by the PDC,” he said, highlighting the absence of warm-up opportunities. “You're not allowed to throw in here, and the hotels don't have practice boards either. That’s just poor from the PDC, I think.”

While the World Matchplay is widely regarded as the most prestigious tournament of the summer, Wattimena pointed out that players not scheduled to play on the night are left with no proper facilities to stay sharp. “They say they have space for only six boards — just for the players on that day,” he continued. “Then I think: why not arrange a board in the hotel for the rest of us?”

The Westervoort thrower, who now has to wait until Wednesday night for his second-round match, admits he’s one of the lucky few — his hotel does have a dartboard. But even that, he says, is far from ideal.

“There’s no oche, just a sticker on the floor,” he said. “But yeah, what can you do with that? On the Euro Tour, it’s sorted — there you have proper boards to practise on. But not here.”

Wattimena’s frustration was clear, but he managed to take it in stride with a touch of humour.

“How am I supposed to prepare for my next match?” he asked, half-joking. “But yeah, nice food, mate,” he grinned. “Nice and relaxed. Just enjoying beautiful Blackpool — where the facades are practically falling apart,” he added with a smirk. “They should send some Polish guys over — they’d do a decent job plastering this place.”