Jeffrey de Graaf has become the talk of the town after his stunning performance at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, where he defeated Paolo Nebrida 4-1 at the iconic Alexandra Palace, also known as Ally Pally, this past Sunday. This victory is not just another win; it marks the first time De Graaf has advanced to the last 16 of the tournament, capturing the attention of fans and critics alike.
The match had its share of drama, particularly when De Graaf, who is well-reputed for his skill, found himself trailing early on. Nebrida started strong, taking the first set 3-1, which seemed to set the stage for what could have been a sensational upset as Nebrida carried the hopes of many, being the last Asian qualifier. But De Graaf wasn’t about to let history repeat itself. He quickly revamped his strategy, coming back with fierceness.
De Graaf leveled the playing field by winning the second set after breaking Nebrida's throw, showcasing his talent with impressive shots and calculated scoring. "I had problems finding the doubles today," he admitted post-match, yet his experience came through as he secured his advantageous position.
The third set saw Nebrida initially shining with an impressive 84 checkout. Yet, the magic unraveled as De Graaf once again clawed his way back, pushing the match to 2-1 after securing the last leg. The momentum clearly shifted, and the magic didn’t stop there. De Graaf cruised through the fourth set, capitalizing on Nebrida’s struggles, ending it 3-1.
With just one set needed for victory, the stage was set for De Graaf to pull off the match. Nebrida managed to take the lead early, but undaunted, De Graaf tightened his grip, eventually clinching the final set with dramatic flair. He nearly achieved perfection, flirting with what would have been the elusive nine-darter - hitting all necessary darts on his first throw across three legs, but he fell just short. Nevertheless, he nailed double 18 to seal the match. "I thought for one second I would succeed (in getting the nine-darter), but maybe next time," he recounted, his spirits still high.
Now, De Graaf finds himself preparing for his next big challenge: facing three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen, the third-ranked player worldwide and considered one of the sport's greatest legends. De Graaf expressed excitement, stating, "It will be fun. It's going to be a new challenge for me,” acknowledging the caliber of opponent he is about to encounter.
With this remarkable win against Nebrida, De Graaf has not only earned at least £35,000—approximately 480,000 Swedish kronor—but also the chance to showcase his skills against one of the biggest names in darts. The stakes couldn't be higher, and as De Graaf prepares for this monumental match, fans can only anticipate what he will deliver on the board.
What awaits is not merely a match; it is poised to be the defining moment of De Graaf's career. Can he take down the titan Michael van Gerwen and propel himself to the quarter-finals? Everyone will be watching closely as De Graaf steps up to the oche, hoping to etch his name as one of the tournament's greats.