The 31-year-old Frisian defeated Australian Damon Heta in the quarterfinals in Minehead in England, 10-5, and then was too strong for Irishman William O’Connor in the semifinals, 11-9. In the final, Noppert and Smith were hardly inferior to each other. They pretty much took turns winning their legs. It came to a 10-10 score on the decisive 21st leg. Noppert was the coolest in that regard; he finished the game with double 20.
For Noppert it is the first title in a major tournament.