Nijman wins fifth ranking title of 2026 as Greaves loses in last 16

Dutch darts sensation Chris Nijman continued his remarkable 2026 form by clinching his fifth ranking title of the year at the Players Championship in Minehead, cementing his status as the sport's dominant force.

Nijman, who has been in scintillating form since the turn of the year, overcame a resilient James Wade in the final with a 8-4 victory. The Dutchman averaged an impressive 104.3 throughout the match and finished with a remarkable 78% checkout rate.

'It feels incredible to win again,' Nijman said after his triumph. 'The confidence is sky-high right now. I'm seeing the ball brilliantly and long may it continue.'

The victory extends Nijman's lead at the top of the world rankings and puts him firmly on course for a historic treble season. Having already secured the Masters and Premier League titles this year, Nijman is now within touching distance of completing a remarkable treble.

Meanwhile, reigning world champion Luke Greaves suffered a disappointing exit at the last-16 stage, beaten 8-6 by unheralded Belgian qualifier Kim Huybrechts. Greaves, who won his first world title in January, looked off-colour throughout and failed to find his usual rhythm.

'I didn't play well at all today,' Greaves admitted. 'Kim took his chances and I didn't. That's darts sometimes. I'll regroup and come back stronger.'

The upset victory marked Huybrechts' best run of the season and propelled him into the world's top 32 for the first time in his career. The Belgian dedicated the win to his family, who have supported him through a difficult two-year spell.

Other notable results saw Michael van Gerwen reach the quarter-finals before losing to Gerwyn Price, while teenage prodigy Luke Littler continued his rapid rise with a semi-final appearance.