Kevin Doets has declared his ambition to become a regular in the Premier League after a stunning week in Graz that saw him reach his first European Tour final at the Austrian Darts Open. Just six days after winning his maiden PDC ranking title at Players Championship 13, the Dutchman backed it up with a runner-up finish, ultimately losing 8-6 to Josh Rock in Sunday's final.
Doets began his tournament in convincing fashion, beating compatriot Chris Landman 6-3 with barely two missed doubles. He then produced a mature display to defeat World Championship semi-finalist Ryan Searle 6-2, hitting 60 percent on his doubles. Another 6-2 win over Ryan Joyce followed before his quarterfinal against Luke Woodhouse, which drew widespread admiration. Doets registered a dizzying average of 112.31, hitting a phenomenal 170 checkout midway through the match and sealing the contest with a classy 141 checkout in a 6-3 victory.
In the semi-final, Doets remained clinical against former world champion Rob Cross, hitting more than half of his chances at a double to reach his first European Tour final. There he faced an in-form Josh Rock. Despite averaging well over a ton, Doets battled back to 6-6 but ultimately had to bow to Rock's scoring power and finishing.
Afterwards, Doets remained upbeat. 'I was sweating so much - my hair is wet!' he laughed. 'He wouldn't stop! Whatever I threw at him, he did better. He was the deserved winner today, although I felt like I had my chances. It was a great final, and let's hope for more.'
His runner-up spot lifts him to 33rd in the world rankings, just £250 shy of the top 32. Looking ahead, Doets set lofty goals: 'I want to be a regular in the Premier League and become a top eight, top four player in the world, or World Champion one day - that's everyone's goal. We keep fighting for it.'
