Jarno Bottenberg qualified for the quarterfinals of the 2024 championship WDF World Championships On Lake with a great performance. The 23-year-old Dutchman defeated his compatriot and pre-tournament favorite Jimmy van Schie 3-1 in the last 16 and will now face living legend Paul Lim, who defeated Gary Stone in a draw on Thursday night.
Bottenberg and Van Schie put on a really strong match for the crowd at Lakeside Country Club, with both men averaging 90. “I’m over the moon to win,” Bottenberg said in his post-match interview. “I knew beforehand that it would be a very difficult match, but I also knew that I could beat it if I played my match. I think I played close to my match and today that was enough.”
“Jimmy missed a lot of doubles matches and I think that’s why I won that match,” Bottenberg continued in his assessment. “I started the first set very well, but then I thought that if I won the first set, I would have to tie it two-nil. Then I am close to victory.”
Although Bottenberg actually made it 2-0, Van Schie roared back in the third set. “In the third set he only shot 140, 140, 180 and I was happy he missed a couple of doubles, otherwise it should have been 2-2.”
Jarno Bottenberg in action at Lakeside
Van Schie later showed his class by profusely congratulating Bottenberg. “He told me he had a lot of respect for me and thought I played very well,” explains Bottenberg. “He also said that if I played bad in the next round, he would kick my ass!” Bottenberg adds with a laugh.
“If I keep playing like this, I could be very dangerous to everyone,” continued “Bottie.” “Of course, there are still many strong players in the tournament, but I definitely believe in my chances.”
