Practice Update – Reset Week Before the New 4-Week Plan

 After a strange spell recently, I’ve decided this week is all about resetting, relaxing, and finding the feel again. The proper restart of my 4-week improvement plan begins next Monday, but for now I’m keeping things simple: no drills, no pressure, just throwing.

I’ve gone back to my trusty Mervyn King darts (22g). Every time I drift too far into experimenting, these seem to be the ones that bring me back to myself. I’m not running through routines or playing training games at the moment,  just throwing naturally, trying to rediscover that smooth, unforced rhythm.

And honestly… it’s starting to work.

By loosening my shoulder and loosening my grip, the throw feels less mechanical and more instinctive again. The wild darts are reducing, the grouping is returning, and I’m not fighting the dart on release like I was a week or two ago. It’s nothing dramatic, but the small improvements are noticeable.

Tomorrow will be the real test at the Under 55 Average Tournament. If I can bring some of this relaxed, at-home feeling into match play, that’s a big step forward.

One week of calm, then the serious work begins again on Monday. Feeling cautiously optimistic.

Bert Vlaardingerbroek – The Dutch Trailblazer Who Opened the Door to World Championship Darts

 

Before the Netherlands became one of the great powerhouses of world darts, before sold-out arenas chanted for Barney or MVG, and long before the country produced a steady stream of international champions, there was one man who took the very first step onto the biggest stage.

That man was Bert Vlaardingerbroek.

In 1988, Vlaardingerbroek became the first Dutch player ever to appear at a darts World Championship, earning his place at the BDO World Championship. It may not have made huge global headlines at the time, but for Dutch darts, it was a genuinely historic milestone. It proved that players from the Netherlands belonged on the sport’s biggest platform, and that the emerging darts scene back home was capable of producing world-level talent.

A Quiet Pioneer With a Lasting Impact

While many modern fans are more familiar with names like Raymond van Barneveld or Michael van Gerwen, Vlaardingerbroek’s role came long before their rise. He was part of a generation playing in an era where international qualifiers were far rarer and opportunities for non-British players were extremely limited.

By reaching the World Championship when he did, he effectively opened the door for others. His appearance showed aspiring Dutch players that competing at Lakeside wasn’t just a dream, it was achievable.

A Strong Competitive Record

Although his 1988 debut ended early, Vlaardingerbroek was far from a one-tournament wonder. Throughout the late 1980s he produced several notable results, including deep runs in major opens and respected performances on the European circuit. Those achievements helped raise the profile of Dutch darts at a time when the country was still finding its identity within the sport.

He went on to appear in multiple World Championships and became a familiar name to fans who followed the international scene closely. His consistency and presence helped lay the groundwork for the explosion of Dutch talent that was soon to follow.

The Legacy He Helped Shape

It’s easy to forget now, with the Netherlands regularly producing:

• world champions,

• Premier League stars,

• and major winners across the PDC and WDF…

…but there was a time when Dutch darts had no real global footprint. Vlaardingerbroek helped change that.

Within a decade of his pioneering appearance, the Netherlands began rapidly climbing the darts ladder. More players qualified for the World Championship, Dutch opens grew in size and prestige, and the country soon developed one of the strongest darts cultures in the world.

Without Vlaardingerbroek’s early breakthrough, the path may have been much slower.

Why His Story Matters Today

In the modern era, it’s easy to focus on the big names and the big stages. But the sport’s history is shaped by the players who took the first steps when the path wasn’t clear.

Bert Vlaardingerbroek was one of those players.
A quiet pioneer.
A foundation stone in the rise of Dutch darts.

Every time a Dutch player walks onto the Ally Pally, Lakeside, or a European Tour stage, a little part of that moment can be traced back to 1988, to the man who showed it could be done.

The First Ever World Championship 2025/26 Darts Sticker Book

 

The darts world has just taken a step into collectable culture with the launch of the new World Championship 2025/26 sticker book, which is the first official album of its kind. For years, football fans have enjoyed Panini-style sticker collections, but darts has never had a fully dedicated tournament album. That finally changes this season.

This new release covers every player taking part in the 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championship. Each competitor has their own sticker slot, complete with profile details, stats, and a high-quality action photo. There are also pages for iconic moments, records, and tournament landmarks, adding an extra layer of nostalgia.

What makes the album stand out is how accessible it feels. Whether you’re a casual fan, a serious collector, or someone who loves filling an album during the festive period, it’s a fun new way to connect with the biggest event in darts. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the chase for those rare shiny stickers and last-page completions.

It’s also a clever move for the sport. A sticker book brings darts closer to mainstream sports culture and introduces a new generation of fans to the players. It might even become a yearly tradition if this one takes off, and judging by early interest, it almost certainly will.

This could end up being one of the most collectable darts items of the year, especially as the very first edition.

Details are on the Panini Official website, although demand has created out of stock messages quickly. Amazon and Ebay seem the best places to buy currently. Although I found my Sticker book in a local supermarket. 

The Pros and Cons of Playing on the WDF Darts Circuit

While watching the WDF World Championships, I felt that maybe the WDF would be another avenue into darts, when I get good enough! For many aspiring darts players, the WDF (World Darts Federation) circuit is the first real taste of competitive darts on a global stage. It offers an alternative pathway to the PDC and has become increasingly important since the return of the WDF World Championships at Lakeside. But what is life actually like on the WDF circuit? Here’s a balanced look at the advantages and the challenges that players face.

The Pros

One of the biggest benefits of the WDF system is accessibility. Events are spread across dozens of countries, and many of them are open entry, meaning players can sign up without needing a tour card. For players who are developing, or who can’t commit to the financial demands of the PDC’s Q-School and tour system, this creates a genuine route into high-level darts.

Another positive is affordability. While travel can add up, the entry fees themselves tend to be lower than PDC qualifiers or Challenge Tour events. Many tournaments offer solid prize money relative to the level, and for those living in Europe, it’s possible to build a competitive calendar without breaking the bank.

Importantly, the WDF circuit can act as a stepping stone. Plenty of players have used strong WDF seasons to launch themselves into PDC careers. It’s a place to build confidence, gain ranking points, and get used to tour-level pressure before making the jump.

The Cons

For all the positives, there are real challenges too. The financial strain is the biggest hurdle. The WDF calendar stretches across the world, and unless you have sponsorship, travel and accommodation can become a significant expense. Prize money is improving, but it still lags far behind the PDC. A deep run might cover your weekend, but very few players can rely on the WDF alone as a full-time income.

Another issue is inconsistency. Not all events are equal in organisation, venue quality, or professionalism. Some tournaments are run brilliantly, others can feel chaotic or outdated. For players coming from highly professional setups, the variation can be noticeable.

The ranking system, while more open, can be unforgiving for players outside Europe. Those based in the UK might have to travel frequently to keep pace with continental events. Those in smaller nations can find it even harder to climb the rankings without long-haul trips.

Exposure is another downside. Unlike the PDC, the WDF doesn’t have mainstream TV coverage for most events. Even Lakeside last year struggled for broadcast stability. This makes it difficult for players to gain sponsorship or build a following unless they already have a strong online presence.

Finally, the pathway can be slow. While the WDF is a great platform, progression isn’t guaranteed. A player might dominate locally but still struggle to break through because the step up to elite competitions requires consistent high-level performances under pressure.

Conclusion

Playing on the WDF darts circuit can be a rewarding and memorable experience. It offers open access, a strong community feel, and the chance to compete internationally without needing a PDC tour card. But it also demands commitment, money, and patience, and the limited exposure can make it harder to turn strong performances into sponsorship or a professional breakthrough.

For many players, the WDF serves exactly the purpose it was designed for - a proving ground. A place to test yourself, grow your game, and chase the dream of stepping onto a major stage. But like any pathway in sport, it comes with ups and downs. The key is knowing what you want from your darts career and choosing the route that fits your goals, lifestyle, and finances.

Week One of My Four-Week Darts Improvement Plan: What I Learned

 Week one of my four-week darts improvement plan has been a real eye-opener. I went into it with a clear routine, a plan to refine my grip, and a determination to finally break through some of the mental blocks that hold me back in competition. Day one and day two actually went really well. My grip felt different, more controlled, more deliberate and I genuinely thought I was starting to turn a corner.

But when it came to competition, everything changed. I completely overthought it. Instead of just throwing naturally, I was trying to force the exact technique from practice. My grip slipped back to the old way, my mind was busy, and every dart felt like a calculation rather than a throw. It was frustrating because I know I can play better, but sometimes the brain gets in the way more than the mechanics do.

After that, I tried to practice again a couple of times, hoping to get back into the flow, but nothing clicked. My arm felt tight, my head felt full, and there was just no rhythm. So I did something I don’t usually do, I left my darts alone for a couple of days. No practice, no routines, no thinking about grip. Just a reset.

When I picked them up again yesterday, I made a conscious effort not to care. I didn’t focus on grip, score, mechanics, or anything technical. I just threw. And instantly it felt better. With no internal commentary running, my arm moved freely and my throw felt natural again. It reminded me that sometimes the best thing you can do in darts is get out of your own way.

So the plan now is simple: I’m going to continue with my practice routine, but without overthinking it. No scorekeeping, no analysing every small detail, no trying to be perfect. Just throw and let the technique settle naturally. Fingers crossed I can carry this mindset into tournament play, because that’s always the real challenge. If I can keep the noise in my head quiet, I genuinely believe the results will follow.

Wednesday & Thursday Tournament Round-Up – A Strange Week on the Oche

 This week has been one of the strangest I’ve had in a while when it comes to tournament darts. On the practice board at home, things had actually been going pretty well. I’d started a new routine that seemed to be helping: smoother throw, tighter grouping, a bit more confidence. But as soon as I stepped into match mode… the mind took over.

Wednesday – Under 55 Average Tournament

This was a tough one mentally. From the very first leg I found myself overthinking everything — my grip, my release, my stance, even the rhythm of my breathing. All the usual noise in my head decided to crank itself up to maximum.

Somehow, I still made the quarter-finals, but if I’m honest that was more down to other people's mistakes than anything brilliant from me. Midway through the night I reverted back to my usual grip, which helped a little, but by that point I just wasn’t relaxed.

Even though the stats say:

Average: 38.02

First 9: 51.41

3 x 100+ scores

…my head just wasn’t in it. I was ready to go home long before the darts allowed me to.

Thursday – Open Tournament

Thursday was better .Not perfect, but better. The standard of the field was higher, as it usually is at the Open, but I felt a bit more settled compared to the night before. Still, the wandering mind was there again.

Despite that, I put up a respectable showing:

Average: 44.80

First 9: 45.30

1 x 100+ and 1 x 140+

4 legs won

There were moments where the throw did feel natural, but they were too few and far between. I’m realising more and more that my next big barrier isn’t technical , it’s mental. I genuinely believe I can throw to a half-decent standard, but the match environment keeps switching the brain into “overthink mode”.

Mind Games – My Real Opponent

Right now, the battle isn’t with opponents. It’s with myself. At home I can throw freely, instinctively, without analysing every millimetre of my grip. In matches, I need to find that same calm, that same simplicity.

So if there are any hypnotists reading this… I’m only half joking!

Another week ahead, another chance to reset. I know the technical side is improving; I just need the mind to follow.

WDF World Championship Preview – Six Men and Six Women to Watch

 The WDF World Championship begins tomorrow (28th November), and as always, it’s an event I really look forward to. While the PDC World Championship has the big names, the big crowds and the huge prize money, the WDF event still holds a special place in the sport. It carries the history, the roots, and the opportunity for amateur and semi-professional players to shine on a genuinely world stage.

Some people say the standard isn’t as high as the PDC, but I don’t think that’s always true. Yes, the very top PDC players regularly throw 100+ averages, but the WDF field is packed with talent: former PDC Tour Card holders, Challenge Tour winners, and leading WDF pros who have battled through tough qualifying events just to reach Lakeside. It deserves to be seen as its own World Championship, not simply compared to the PDC version.

With that in mind, here are six men and six women I think are worth keeping a close eye on this year. The fields are competitive, especially in the women’s tournament where the absence of Beau Greaves makes things feel wide open.

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Men’s WDF World Championship – Six to Watch

Jimmy van Schie
The number one seed and it’s fully deserved. He has been ultra-consistent all season, picking up titles and deep runs everywhere he’s played. His decision to focus mainly on the WDF tour has paid off and he will be very hard to beat.

Shane McGuirk
The reigning champion. Some fans saw his win as a surprise last year, but those who follow the sport closely know how good he is. Tough, steady, and mentally strong. He will not hand his title back without a serious fight.

Jenson Walker
A talented young player who has transitioned from the junior ranks into senior WDF events with ease. He represented England at youth level and even won the Boys’ World Championship. This season he has stepped up again and is capable of beating anyone in the draw.

David Pallett
One of the most consistent performers on the circuit. A former PDC player with experience and quality, he has picked up titles this year and has been close in others. He doesn’t give away many chances. A real danger man.

Jason Brandon
The leading hope from outside Europe. A 2024 semi-finalist and one of North America’s strongest players, he has built real momentum across both the WDF and US darts circuits. Could easily go deep again.

Mitchell Lawrie
One of the most exciting teenagers in world darts. Dominant at junior level and already winning senior events, he plays without fear and handles pressure remarkably well. Some are already comparing him to Luke Littler.He has a genuine shot at the title.

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Women’s WDF World Championship – Six to Watch

Lerena Rietbergen

The number one seed and a multiple title winner on the WDF circuit. She skipped the PDC Women’s Series to focus on WDF events, and it’s worked. With Beau Greaves absent, Rietbergen has a huge chance to claim this prestigious title.

Rhian O’Sullivan
The bookmakers’ favourite, and rightly so. She has been excellent on both the WDF tour and the PDC Women’s Series. When she’s on it, Rhian can match the very best in the women’s game. Experience and form make her a major contender.

Lorraine Hyde
Scotland’s captain and one of the most experienced players in the field. She has played strongly on both major women’s circuits this year and picked up some standout wins. A real threat with her track record.

Nicole Regnaud
Travelling from New Zealand and rarely in Europe, but her quality has never gone unnoticed. A previous Lakeside competitor who has performed well without quite getting the results she deserved. A dangerous player if she finds her scoring early.

Sophie McKinlay
Runner-up last year and part of the exciting new crop of young female talent. Still a teenager but already a major finalist .She will have learned a lot from 2024 and will be determined to go one better.

Irina Armstrong
Often overlooked but a real class act. She’s enjoyed plenty of success across the WDF tour and brings huge experience with her. If she produces her A-game, she could easily reach the latter stages.

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Final Thoughts

The WDF World Championship may not have the glitz of the PDC version, but it has heart, history, and huge competitive value. It remains a showcase for rising stars, seasoned veterans, and talented players who haven’t followed the traditional PDC route. With both the men’s and women’s tournaments looking wide open this year, this could be one of the most exciting editions yet.