In 2012, he qualified for the European Championship through the European Order of Merit, and beat Mensur Suljović 6–2 in the first round. He played fifteen-time world champion Phil Taylor in the second round and in an even contest, Hendriks was edged out 7–10, stating afterwards that his goal for the remainder of the season was to qualify for the World Championship for the first time. He achieved this by finishing eighth on the European Order of Merit, taking the fourth and final spot that was available for non-qualified players. Hendriks beat Wayne Jones 3–0 in the first round, winning each of his sets by three legs to two and clinched the match with a 156 checkout. He faced Taylor again in the second round and won the first set, but went on to lose 1–4. Hendriks was ranked world number 58 after the event, inside the top 64 who guarantee their entry into all the PDC Pro Tour events for 2013.