In 2003 a Dutchman won the World Darts Trophy for the first time. Raymond van Barneveld knocked out Mervyn King in a thrilling final and this meant Dutch success in Utrecht.
Barney saw off John Snijers, Bob Taylor, Gary Robson and Tony David on his way to the final. Number two seed King defeated Shaun Greatbatch, Vincent van der Voort, Martin Adams and the Finnish surprise Jarkko Komula.
Four seeds lost in the first round, with Ted Hankey being the biggest casualty losing 0-3 to Komula.