'I always thought Lewis was great to watch on TV' - Van Schie and Van Trijp await return of two-time World Champion in MODUS Super Series

Jimmy van Schie and Danny van Trijp get to defend their pairs title at the MODUS Super Series this week during the International Pairs 2. The Dutch duo is looking forward to another week in Portsmouth, where they hope to defend their title.

"With Danny together, it will be another fun week anyway," Van Schie opens enthusiastically. The Modus organization deliberately chose to invite last year's winners again. Van Trijp understands that choice all too well: "They want to see the winners again. You see with other countries like Germany and Ireland sometimes other players compete, but if they had won, it would have been the same."

For Van Schie, the Modus now feels like a familiar environment. He was in the final of the Champions League of the Modus Super Series again this year, but narrowly missed out on the title. "I had another dream that I would throw out 170 against Usher in the final. But then, unfortunately, I woke up," he says, laughing. "If that last arrow had gone in, it would have been a fantastic crowning touch to a great Modus year. But yes, unfortunately."

Still, Van Schie looks back with pride. "Of course you feel bad for a while, but you also have to put things in perspective. Getting to a Champions League final twice is an achievement in itself. I will keep fighting until I get it in one time."

Of course, the financial aspect also played a part. "The difference is pretty big," he acknowledges. "Then when you suddenly play at 3-3 for a lot of money, you feel that tension extra." Van Trijp then charged him that he lost some 43,000 pounds in a short time because of three missed bullseyes. Van Schie confirmed that with a wry smile: "Yes, something like that."

Van Trijp on his dream final: nine-darter and 120 average

Whereas Van Schie just missed out on a title, Van Trijp had an absolute dream final earlier this year at the Modus. He threw a nine darter and recorded an incredible average of 120. "The crazy thing was that I actually didn't throw a ninety average that week," he looks back. "But in that final I started with a twelve darter, then a thirteen darter. Then I looked aside and saw something like 128 average. By then I was getting heart palpitations."

That adrenaline caused him to record a nine-dart finish. "I threw 180, 180 again, and that 141 finish felt like maybe the easiest one of my life. It was all because of the excitement and emotions. I almost had to cry, it was that special."

Although they did not pair up together after their Modus title, Van Schie and Van Trijp certainly do not rule out a sequel. Van Schie: "If it's up to me, definitely. At the Dutch Open, for example, that would be a good option."

Both darters do not have a Tour Card, but instead see many opportunities through the Modus, Challenge Tour and other circuits. Van Trijp: "With a Tour Card you can only play a limited number of tournaments. Now I have much more freedom and opportunities. I've really made strides this year."

Van Schie also feels ready for a new step. "I have already played quite a few Pro Tours through the Challenge Tour and notice that I feel more and more comfortable. It's not special to play against a top player anymore, I know I can beat them. The pressure in the top 64 is going to be interesting, but I think it's going to be good."

Icons as opponents: Lewis and Beaton

During the upcoming edition, the Dutch could possibly face Adrian Lewis and Steve Beaton - two giants in the darts world. Van Schie takes a sober look at that: "I always thought Lewis was great to watch on TV. But in the end I just try to beat him like any other player."

Van Trijp knows what it's like to play against an icon. He beat Steve Beaton 3-0 at the World Championship. "I had nothing to lose. He didn't play his best game and I won fairly easily. Of course he's a big name, but it doesn't make me hot or cold."

Both darters are aware of the stricter rules within the Modus, such as turning in phones. "I'm usually the first one to turn it in," Van Schie says. "I tell my girlfriend and friends: I'm going against it today, see you later. I think it's a good measure."

Van Trijp also understands the need. "Players have ruined it themselves by betting on their own matches. Then I understand that they take away phones. It's better this way."

Asked about their objective in Portsmouth, the gentlemen answer briefly but firmly. "Just win," it sounds in chorus. Van Trijp then adds with a smile, "And preferably in the final against Wales again."