The world of professional darts is a stage for dramatic comebacks and unwavering resilience. In a compelling narrative of self-reinvention, Jules van Dongen, affectionately known as "The Dutch Dragon," is preparing to reclaim his spot on the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Pro Tour, marking a significant turning point in his career.

This return comes after a period of introspection and a struggle with form and confidence that led the 35-year-old to question his future in the sport. Van Dongen's decision to step away from the oche was prompted by a deep-seated lack of belief in his abilities, a sentiment that can be crippling for any athlete competing at the highest level.

The announcement of his return is particularly noteworthy given that only weeks prior, Van Dongen had resigned himself to the possibility that his days on the professional darts circuit were behind him. This dramatic shift in perspective underscores the power of perseverance and the potential for renewal even in the face of adversity.

But this isn't just a return to the familiar; it's a reinvention. Van Dongen is set to unveil a completely revamped technique, a bold move that signals his commitment to overcoming his past struggles. He's making the switch to throwing left-handed, a radical departure from his established style that promises to add an element of surprise and intrigue to his game.

The decision to embrace his non-dominant hand is a testament to Van Dongen's willingness to experiment and adapt. This change is not merely cosmetic; it's a fundamental shift that requires retraining muscle memory and developing a new sense of feel for the dartboard. It's a challenge that few professional athletes would undertake, highlighting Van Dongen's determination to reignite his passion for the sport.

Reflecting on his journey, Van Dongen shared that his confidence and enjoyment of the game had plummeted to an all-time low following the World Cup. This period of disillusionment served as a catalyst for change, prompting him to explore alternative approaches and ultimately commit to the left-handed technique.

"After the World Cup my confidence and joy in the game was at an all-time low," Van Dongen confessed. This candid admission provides insight into the mental and emotional challenges that professional athletes face, even those who have achieved considerable success.

The turning point came when Van Dongen decided to fully commit to the left hand, a decision that initially seemed far-fetched but ultimately proved to be a source of renewed hope. "In July I was convinced my darting days were over, now I’m optimistic and hopeful," he revealed, capturing the essence of his transformative journey.

The Dutch Dragon's decision to switch to his 'weaker' left hand came after a significant drop in the world rankings, plummeting to 151st. This decline in performance served as a wake-up call, prompting him to take drastic measures to revitalize his career.

The statistics paint a stark picture of Van Dongen's struggles leading up to his break. He is yet to secure a win in 2025 and is currently enduring a 13-match losing streak that stretches back to November of the previous year. During this period, his averages have dipped as low as 57.23, and he has suffered several lopsided defeats, including five instances of losing 6-0 or 6-1.

Van Dongen's last appearance on the oche was at the North American Championship, where he faced a defeat at the hands of Stowe Buntz. This loss marked a low point in his career, further fueling his decision to take a break and reassess his approach to the game.

Despite the setbacks, Van Dongen remains undeterred. He recently announced his intention to participate in the final Players Championship events and the Grand Slam qualifier at the end of next month, throwing left-handed, of course. This decision demonstrates his unwavering commitment to his new technique and his determination to compete at the highest level.

He expressed his renewed enthusiasm for the sport, stating, "I now have enough confidence and joy in playing that I’m actually looking forward to going to England and playing on the Pro Tour one more time." This statement reflects a significant shift in his mindset, from one of doubt and discouragement to one of optimism and excitement.

Van Dongen acknowledges that his current stint on the Pro Tour is nearing its end, with four years of competition drawing to a close in a few months. However, he is already looking ahead to the future, outlining his plans to compete on the WDF circuit and eventually return to Q School in 2027.

His long-term goal is to regain his competitive edge as a left-handed player and ultimately earn a spot back on the PDC Pro Tour. This ambitious plan underscores his commitment to the sport and his belief in his ability to overcome adversity.

Van Dongen's personal life has also been marked by challenges, including the illness of his parents and his own struggles with dartitis, a condition that affects a player's ability to release the dart smoothly and accurately. These personal difficulties have undoubtedly contributed to his struggles on the oche.

These issues led to him changing throwing hands with a planned break from competitive action. He needed to take time to heal and recover from the pressure and focus on developing the new technique.

Earlier this year, he shared his thoughts on his career trajectory, stating, "Once this run is over, the darts are going back in the case. It’s time for a full reset." This statement reflected his desire to step away from the spotlight and focus on rebuilding his game from the ground up.

He also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future in the sport, admitting, "One day I say I’m not playing, the next I’m back in again. But for now, I’ll be up there on the stage." This candid admission highlights the emotional rollercoaster that professional athletes often experience.

Van Dongen added that the lowered expectations have actually helped him to perform better. At the UK Open, few people realized how badly things were going for him. By now, it's pretty clear. He also stated that he just wants to give it one last proper go. No pressure, no expectations, just him, his family, and the stage at The Garden.

In closing, Van Dongen offers a message of hope and perseverance: "Never give up, never give in." This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates the spirit of resilience that has defined his career and serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes around the world.

Jules van Dongen's story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, reinvention is possible. His return to the PDC Pro Tour, armed with a new technique and a renewed sense of purpose, promises to be one of the most compelling narratives in the world of professional darts.