JEFFREY de Zwaan has vowed his “natural talent is still there” as he fights his way back to the top of the sport. 

The Dutch ace lost his PDC Tour Card at the end of last year and was unable to regain it at Qualifying School.

After several months off the big stage, he returned to action at the recent Dutch Darts Championship in Rosmalen.

He eventually lost out narrowly 6-5 to Ryan Joyce and revealed: “I thought I had him, but then I missed three darts.

“I was nervous too - mainly because I’m not really putting in the effort anymore.

“I don’t even train at the moment. Honestly, I was just happy to qualify. But once you’re here, of course you want to perform. Losing in front of a home crowd stings a little. 

“I actually told myself I wouldn’t focus on darts at all this year. I’ll still play a few tournaments here and there, but I’ve had a tough few years — mentally and physically. Now, you can see that my natural talent is still there.”

De Zwaan does admit his target is to get back into the big time but he has toiled with a shoulder injury. However, that pain has lessened. 

He added: “That’s probably because I’ve stopped putting strain on it. I don’t train anymore, and working full-time helps ease the pressure too.

“For now, the focus is on work and enjoying life a bit — because that’s what really matters,

“In August, I’ll start training again with Q-School in mind. After that, we’ll see where things go.

“I don’t have any darts-related goals at the moment. First, I want to get myself back on track mentally. Once I’m in a stronger place, I’ll figure out what’s next.”