Danny Noppert completes scintillating comeback to land Players Championship title
- Seb Sternik
- 10 July 2022
Danny Noppert won his third PDC career title after coming from behind to beat Andrew Gilding in an enthralling final.
With the Dutchman trailing 6-3, Gilding seemed on course for a long-awaited maiden PDC title. Instead, Goldfinger was handed his fourth final defeat as the UK Champion showed his class.
A late rally from Noppert saw him rattle off five consecutive legs - including a couple of 12 darters - as he took home the Players Championship 19 crown.
"It was a long time ago since I last won one a Players Championship title," said Noppert, who also bagged the £12,000 winner's prize.
"I won this title through fighting and never giving up, if you believe in something then you can achieve it.
"I am a happy man to finally have my moment on the floor. There are 128 fantastic players here so to win this means a lot.
"Now, I am looking forward to all the tournaments coming up."
NOPPERT TAKES THE TITLE! 🏆
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 9, 2022
Danny Noppert racks up his third PDC title, coming back from 6-3 down to win 8-6 and deny Andrew Gilding a maiden title!
A superb fight back from the UK Open champion! pic.twitter.com/0SBfid8yB7
Noppert began the day with a 6-0 whitewash of Gordon Mathers, before seeing off Luke Woodhouse and world number five James Wade to reach the last 16.
After taking out Canada's Matt Campbell, the Dutchman went on to thrash Rowby-John Rodriguez 6-1 to progress to the semi-final.
Noppert maintained his impressive form as he battled past in-form Luke Humphries to seal his spot in the final.
While Gilding may be disappointed by the manner of defeat, the veteran can take encouragement from the fact that the £8,000 added onto his PDC ranking further solidifies his provisional spot in the field for the 2022 Betfred World Matchplay.
Players Championship 19 results
Quarter-Finals
Luke Humphries 6-3 Jamie Hughes
Danny Noppert 6-1 Rowby Rodriguez
Ryan Searle 6-4 Niels Zonneveld
Andrew Gilding 6-1 Lee Evans
Semi-Finals
Danny Noppert 7-3 Luke Humphries
Andrew Gilding 7-6 Ryan Searle
Final
Danny Noppert 8-6 Andrew Gilding
Photo credit: Steve Paston/PDC
