Wessel Nijman a winner in Wigan at Players Championship 24

Wessel Nijman won his first senior PDC title by beating Stephen Bunting in the final of Players Championship 24 in Wigan.

The Dutchman averaged 99.63 in an 8-5 win, with his opponent hitting three figures at 101.11.

Nijman, who served half of a five-year suspension after being found guilty in 2020 of betting offences, said: "I've felt like it was coming. I thought 'be patient and it will come’.

"It’s probably the best months of my darting career. When I was playing the Development Tour last year I wasn’t expecting to get a tour card.

"I knew I could win it when I was in the final. My goal was to get in the top 64 after two years; I’ll probably get into it after one year so I’m very happy with that."

Nijman beat Gary Anderson 7-5 in his semi-final, the Scot having hit a nine-dart finish against Jamie Hughes and averaged over 100 across his six matches. Bunting ended the run of Luke Littler in the semis.