Wessel Nijman narrowly escaped elimination at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship on Friday afternoon, triumphing over Cameron Carolissen after what turned out to be a tightly contested match. The victory came down to the wire, with Nijman just managing to edge past the South African opponent after five tense sets at Alexandra Palace.
Initially, the day looked promising for Nijman, who started strong by winning the first set 3-0, showcasing his skill with impressive finishes including a high 139 checkout. The Dutchman opened the match with two solid legs, winning them comfortably. But as the match progressed, Carolissen fought back, taking advantage of Nijman's missed opportunities.
"What a tug-of-war," Nijman sighed with relief afterward, reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster of the game during his post-match interview with Dutch broadcasters Viaplay. He admitted he hadn't anticipated such a fierce challenge from Carolissen, saying, "This is not the South African you expect at a time like this, is it? After I was 2-0 up, I didn’t think it was going to be this tough." He added, "When he came back to 2-2, I thought, 'If only I don’t let this slip through my fingers.' But I kept faith, convinced I could throw the deciding leg more effectively than him."
Indeed, the match took a precarious turn when Nijman was tied 2-2 going to the final set, having seen his lead dwindle. The fifth set started unpredictably, with Nijman trailing initially and Carolissen securing legs with relative ease. At one point, Carolissen had the upper hand, forcing Nijman to pull out all the stops to avoid defeat. Mirroring his earlier performance, Nijman clinched the deciding leg with some fast darts, including multiple 180s, to seal the match 3-2.
Looking back at his performance, Nijman expressed disbelief at being listed as the seventh favorite to win the championship by the bookies, especially since he had suffered four consecutive losses leading up to this event. He explained to Viaplay, "That is based on my performance at the Grand Slam, but I lost three times there. So, it doesn't make sense to be the sixth favorite to win. I believe expectations are too high. But here I am, pushing through and planning to make the most of it."
The next challenge for Nijman looms large: facing Joe Cullen, the No. 23 seed, on December 22. This upcoming match is already being touted as one of the most exciting clashes of the second round. Nijman's performance against Cullen will be closely watched as he looks to build on his narrow escape from elimination.
Cullen may come with the higher ranking, but after witnessing Nijman's resilience during his match against Carolissen, it’s clear the Dutchman will not falter easily. With his previous match showcasing both skill and determination, Nijman heads to the next round with newfound confidence, having learned from previous downfalls. "It’s still surreal to be here after everything I’ve gone through," he stated. "I’ve had to adapt, learn, and push through challenges. I want to show everyone I can compete at this level for long periods."
The energy moving forward is palpable, as Nijman aims to turn betting odds and past setbacks on their heads. Aiming for consistency and focusing on execution will be key for him as he takes the stage against Cullen. Nijman’s supporters are eager to see if he can continue to defy expectations and advance even farther, turning this championship run not merely as participation but as potential triumph.
While he may remain without a nickname, the upcoming rounds might provide him with the opportunity to earn one, following any defining moments he creates on his path. The excitement is building as fans anticipate Nijman's next shot at darting glory at Alexandra Palace.
With the pressure mounting and stakes growing higher, Nijman's resilience will be tested again soon. His opening match triumph allowed fans to breathe easier, but the real battle is just beginning.
