Friday evening in Göttingen saw the Lokhalle faithful treated to further drama as the opening round of the European Darts Trophy reached its completion, with three more of their home-grown heroes stepping forward to carry the hopes of the host nation.
An all-German affair between Niko Springer and Kai Gotthardt guaranteed the locals at least one triumphant representative. For long stretches it appeared that honour would belong to Gotthardt, who established a commanding 4-2 advantage and looked poised to close out proceedings.
However, last year’s Hungarian Darts Trophy champion Springer summoned a spirited resurgence, roaring back into contention before confidently holding throw in the decisive leg to secure victory and book a second-round showdown with Stephen Bunting.
Opening the evening’s proceedings was eight-time European Tour champion Dave Chisnall. To elevate that impressive tally to nine, the St Helens slinger first needed to overcome Jeffrey De Zwaan. After five legs, with the man in yellow yet to trouble the scoreboard, such a comeback seemed improbable. The Black Cobra appeared destined for a Saturday afternoon duel with Ross Smith, averaging a ton and standing just one chalk away from victory.
Yet Chisnall gradually, methodically and almost improbably reeled in the deficit before completing a remarkable turnaround, meaning it’s an all English-tie tomorrow with Smudger in the opposite corner.
For Luke Woodhouse, it proved an incredibly comfortable assignment. Operating in what could politely be described as a restrained gear, Woody eased past Dragutin Horvat with minimal fuss. The German struggled to find any rhythm whatsoever, producing an average south of 80, and Woodhouse’s superior scoring proved more than sufficient to glide across the finish line. However, sterner examination awaits in the form of Chris Dobey in the next round.
Joining the Worcestershire thrower in Saturday’s action is Dirk van Duijvenbode. The flamboyant Aubergenius is still pursuing that elusive maiden European Tour crown, despite having reached three finals previously. His latest attempt progressed a step further courtesy of an efficient victory over Belgium’s Mario Vandenbogaerde.
In truth, the encounter was hardly destined for archival immortality. The Dutchman was simply the more efficient of two players struggling on the outer ring. Vandenbogaerde squandered several gilt-edged opportunities, while Dirk, though far from immaculate, demonstrated marginally greater composure.
That said, he may require a far more authoritative performance when he faces Rob Cross next.Two former PDC major champions, Daryl Gurney and Joe Cullen, safely navigated their respective Polish obstacles. Superchin was pushed admirably by talented youngster Sebastian Bialecki but ultimately possessed enough experience and scoring authority to edge past The Bolt.
Cullen, meanwhile, delivered a professional display to dispatch Wojciech Brulinski and secure a second-round meeting with Gerwyn Price, while Gurney prepares to face Ryan Searle. To locate the last time Mensur Suljović lifted European Tour silverware one must travel seven years back through the archives, to when The Gentle triumphed at the Austrian Darts Championship on home soil.
A composed and authoritative victory over Willie O’Connor suggested that the Austrian may harbour ambitions of doubling that tally. The Irishman appeared visibly frustrated by the rhythm, yet Mensur will be entirely unconcerned, having earned the right to face Czech number one Karel Sedlacek on Saturday evening.
That of course, could have been Luke Humphries but for his late withdrawal.
Concluding the session and completing the round two line up was Wessel Nijman, who began extremely sluggishly. The Spaniard surged into an early 3-0 lead while the Dutchman was still trying to find the accelerator pedal. Gradually, the four-time Players Championship ignited, eventually seizing control and securing victory.
Against Mike De Decker, Wessel will want to click into gear much quicker. You certainly don’t want to give the Belgian major winner that much of a head-start.
And so the opening round, and indeed day of the European Darts Trophy draws to a close. Saturday afternoon begins with Jermaine Wattimena facing Lukas Wenig as the tournament’s heavyweight contenders finally arrive at the party.
EUROPEAN DARTS TROPHY (ET2)
Göttingen, Germany (13-15 March)
Friday Evening Results
Dave Chisnall 6-5 Jeffrey De Zwaan
Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-2 Mario Vandenbogaerde
Luke Woodhouse 6-0 Dragutin Horvat
Daryl Gurney 6-4 Sebastian Bialecki
Joe Cullen 6-3 Wojciech Brulinski
Niko Springer 6-5 Kai Gotthardt
Mensur Suljović 6-2 William O’Connor
Wessel Nijman 6-4 Cristo Reyes
Saturday Afternoon Session
Jermaine Wattimena v Lukas Wenig
Damon Heta v Darius Labanauskas
Danny Noppert v Ricky Evans
Ross Smith v Dave Chisnall
Rob Cross v Dirk van Duijvenbode
Mike De Decker v Wessel Nijman
Chris Dobey v Luke Woodhouse
Ryan Searle v Daryl Gurney
Saturday Evening Session
Josh Rock v Paul Krohne
Gerwyn Price v Joe Cullen
Martin Schindler v Richard Veenstra
Michael van Gerwen v Niels Zonneveld*
Karel Sedlacek v Mensur Suljović (* late replacement for Luke Humphries)
Gian van Veen v Krzysztof Ratajski
Stephen Bunting v Niko Springer*
Cam Crabtree v Kevin Doets (* late replacement for Jonny Clayton)
—–Ends—–
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