Wessel Nijman "living the dream" after maintaining PDC hot-streak at Players Championship Eight

Wessel Nijman admits he is "living the dream" after capturing his third PDC title of the calendar year in Leicester on Tuesday.

The supremely-talented Dutch star defied a barrage of maximums from Joe Cullen to prevail in the decider at the Mattioli Arena, running out an 8-4 winner to cement top spot on the Players Championship rankings.

Nijman has made a scintillating start to the new season, winning Players Championship Two before celebrating a maiden European Tour triumph in Goettingen earlier this month.

His latest victory -- his third in as many months -- has also elevated him to a career-high 19th position in the PDC's Order of Merit.

"I’m living the dream life,” admitted Nijman, who underlined his status as the top seed in Leicester.

This week was the first time I was the number one seed, so that was pretty special for me to be honest.

- Wessel Nijman (PDC Players Championship Eight Winner)

"With the way I’m playing, especially in the floor events, I’m feeling pretty confident and this helps a lot."

He added: "I’m so just happy I played the way I did today."

The 25-year-old signalled his intent in an opening round demolition of Dominik Gruellich, averaging 103.57 before fending off a late fightback from Thomas Lovely to seal his spot in round three.

A whitewash win over Poland’s Tytus Kanik followed before Nijman edged past an in-form Keane Barry to book his spot in the quarter-finals, where he produced a stunning fightback to deny Dave Chisnall.

Despite falling 4-1 behind, Nijman reeled off five consecutive legs to advance with an average of 105.11, although he was forced to survive two match darts in his all-Dutch semi-final clash against Kevin Doets.

That victory over his fellow countryman set up a tantalising tussle against Cullen for the title, and there was nothing to separate the pair in the opening exchanges, as the pair traded blows to hold throw across the opening five legs.

Nijman eventually established control of the encounter though with clinical 96 and 121 finishes to lead 4-2 and 5-3, yet Cullen continued to respond, landing a flurry of 180s to preserve his title hopes.

However, the Englishman's hopes evaporated when he squandered nine darts at double to cut the deficit in leg 11, with Nijman duly capitalising, moving 7-4 ahead before wrapping up proceedings with a 14-dart break.

Victory for the Dutch ace, who will now be hoping to replicate his floor form on the TV stage having never managed to get past the last 16 of a major ranking event, means he is moves up a spot in the world rankings, with his £15,000 winner's cheque elevating him above Damon Heta into 19th place.