Darts star reveals plot to change international allegiances to play at World Cup

Kevin Doets is contemplating changing his nationality to play at the World Cup.

The Dutchman believes that due to competition, he probably won’t ever get to represent the Netherlands.

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Instead, he is looking to switch to Sweden, which he can do because he’s currently living there.

The Netherlands have a wide variety of talent to choose from and are currently represented by Michael van Gerwen, and World No.3 Gian van Veen.

Then you have Danny Noppert, Wessel Nijman in contention as well.

So, Doets is looking to follow in the footsteps of Jeffrey de Graaf.

De Graaf is Dutch, but he’s switched his nationality to Swedish and has competed in the PDC World Cup representing Sweden.

And Doets has it in his mind.

Speaking to the Weekly Dartscast, he said: “I’ve thought about it. If I want to switch, I still have to wait for three-and-a-half years. But I would like to play for the Netherlands rather than for Sweden.

“It’s just so hard lately to play for the Netherlands because two out of the top four are Dutch.  

“So, it’s going to be very tough to get into the World Cup for the Netherlands. And of course, right now it’s a lot easier to play for Sweden. 

“We have to look at the financial aspect as well. But I would much rather play for the Netherlands than for Sweden. 

“But if the opportunity comes that I can play for Sweden, I might take it, but I don’t know yet.” 

PDC

However, as Doets reveals, he still has a while to wait before making the switch.

So, that is plenty of time to become one of the top Dutch darts stars.

Doets has enjoyed a great breakout year and is now just outside the top 32 in the world.

He has battled through dartsitis and is proud of his achievements.

“I think that looking back at that, I’m very proud of where I am now, and especially because of my dartitis and stuff. 

“The dartitis part, that has always been a struggle because even though I haven’t had it for years now, it’s something that still sometimes shows up in the mind.  

“It can get tough when you start thinking about that. 

“But yeah, I’m just very proud of where I am now, after what I’ve been through in the earlier stages.”

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Who is at the World Cup?

England are set to be represented by Luke Littler and Luke Humphries and will be hoping for a better outcome than last year.

They went out in just the second round to Germany last year, and that is the stage of the tournament they will enter from once again.

The Netherlands, Northern Ireland and Scotland also do the same.

Gerwyn Price made himself unavailable for selection for Wales, so Nick Kenny joins Jonny Clayton.

Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney are the defending champions.

Micky Mansell joins William O’Connor for the Republic of Ireland, with Gary Anderson and Cameron Menzies stepping up for Scotland.

We also have 71-year-old Paul Lim with Singapore and De Graaf will be there for Sweden.