Brendan Dolan wins long-awaited PDC title in Germany

The Northern Irishman landed a £15,000 payday at Halle 39, seeing off his Swedish opponent 8-4 in the final and move a step closer to booking his place at July’s World Matchplay.

Dolan, who last triumphed on the tour in July 2022, beat Robert Grundy, Franz Roetzsch, two-time world champion Peter Wright, Dom Taylor and Daryl Gurney before seeing off Graham Hall in the semi-finals.

A 3-0 advantage over De Graaf put him in control of the decider and he stayed in front until finishing with a 109 checkout in the 12th leg.

“It’s an absolutely brilliant feeling,” reflected Dolan, who last tasted victory on the PDC ProTour in July 2022.

“All I’ve been thinking about over the last few months is trying to qualify for the World Matchplay and World Grand Prix.

“That’s what I have been striving for, and thankfully I am really close to achieving that now.”

Former World Grand Prix finalist Dolan won his first PDC ranking title in 2013, and having enjoyed more than a decade at the top level, he insists he still has more to give.

“It’s about having the appetite for the game,” continued Dolan, currently ranked 27th on the PDC Order of Merit.

“The talent of the young lads coming through is unbelievable, and it’s actually rejuvenated me.

“There is still plenty left for me to achieve. I’ve been playing at this level for 20 years, and I would still love to be world number one. It may never happen, but I’ll keep trying.

“I would also love to win a TV title and a European Tour event, so that will be my ambition going forward!”