German Darts Grand Prix: Huybrechts Hammers Woodhouse

Sunday evening in Munich burst emphatically into life with The Hurricane, Kim Huybrechts, eviscerating Luke Woodhouse in a rampant, ton-plus exhibition – and it concluded in equally dramatic fashion, with top seed Gian van Veen tumbling at the very first hurdle.

Returning to Huybrechts, his performance served as an unequivocal declaration of intent, emphatically underlining his credentials as a genuinely formidable and resurgent contender for the German Darts Grand Prix crown.

It has been well over a decade since the Belgian secured the second of his two career Euro Tour triumphs – fittingly, also on German soil – and the manner in which Huybrechts clinically dismantled Woody with such ruthless efficiency indicates that he may be primed for a long-overdue resurgence.

With a constellation of elite names absent from the draw, the landscape is ripe for opportunists to seize their moment. Northern Ireland World Cup winner Josh Rock was embroiled in arguably the highest-calibre encounter of the tournament so far, overcoming Ryan Joyce in a scintillating and high-octane affair.

Both protagonists operated at a blistering three-figure average, yet with the contest delicately poised at 4-4, it was The Antrim Ace who accelerated decisively towards the finishing line. Rocky now advances to face the effervescent Niels Zonneveld, who continues to sparkle on this season’s Euro Tour.

Speaking of in-form Dutchmen, Kevin Doets unquestionably belongs within that distinguished bracket alongside Triple Z. Mounting a stirring comeback from 5-3 down against a player of James Wade’s pedigree and vast experience only further underscores the notion that Hawkeye is a competitor very much on an upward trajectory.

Igniting his resurgence with a second Big Fish checkout of the weekend, Doets broke throw before demonstrating admirable composure to close out the contest, setting up an all-Dutch showdown with Dirk van Duijvenbode on Monday afternoon.

Attention then pivoted to the commencement of the German charge, with the four remaining home representatives appearing in consecutive encounters.

First to the oche was qualifier Marcel Hausotter, tasked with confronting the vastly decorated and multi-major-winning Jonny Clayton. What followed came perilously close to producing a seismic upset, as the relatively unheralded German pushed his illustrious opponent to a dramatic last-leg decider.

An inspired Hausotter – buoyed by his previous-round triumph over Dutch icon Raymond van Barneveld – went toe-to-toe with The Ferret, matching the Welshman with remarkable composure and conviction. With the enthralling contest finely balanced at 5-5, Clayton unearthed the only break of throw in the match to scrape through. For a fleeting, tantalising moment amidst the chaos, a potential fairytale threatened to swell even further, with Hausotter venturing seven darts deep into a magical nine-darter.

Post-match, ever the consummate professional, Jonny Clayton was effusive in his praise, offering generous commendation towards his opponent while acknowledging that a similarly arduous examination may await him against Kim Huybrechts in round three.

Next up was German representative number two, the prodigiously talented Niko Springer, who faced an equally formidable examination against reigning champion Michael van Gerwen. If the crowd had been enthused by Hausotter’s valiant display, they were sent into rapturous euphoria as the Mainz-born youngster emphatically dismantled The Green Machine in a performance of breathtaking authority. That result leaves Michael Smith as the sole remaining former champion in the field – and the very man Springer will now confront.

Meanwhile, it was another chapter of travel tribulations for Nathan Aspinall, who seemingly endured as much frustration reaching Munich as he did in his recent logistical odyssey to Wieze. Nevertheless, The Asp once again demonstrated his trademark resilience, edging Ricardo Pietreczko in a last-leg decider.Having observed Pietreczko labour through his opening match – scraping past Ian White with a sub-80 average – it appeared improbable that he would pose a significant threat.

Yet, in true darting fashion, the German number two recalibrated impressively, finding himself poised on the bullseye for a scarcely believable victory.Agonisingly for Pikachu, the dart strayed from its intended destination, and at 5-4 down in a race to six, there are few fewer forgiving pursuers than Nathan Aspinall.

The two-time major champion duly capitalised, levelling the contest before breaking throw to secure progression and set up a clash with the victor of the ensuing encounter.

Without any extravagant pyrotechnics or ostentatious fireworks, Nathan Aspinall’s next assignment materialised in the form of the other half of Germany’s recent World Cup pairing, Martin Schindler.

The Wall ultimately negotiated safe passage past Brendan Dolan, finally overcoming the obstinate resistance of The History Maker to join Niko Springer in carrying the weight of home nation expectation.Then, to complete round two and draw Sunday’s action to a compelling conclusion, yet another seed was sent crashing out – and in Gian van Veen, it was the most significant casualty of them all, dispatched by William O’Connor.

Immense credit must be afforded to The Magpie, who swooped with clinical precision and, through a composed and ruthlessly efficient display on the outer ring, secured a thoroughly memorable victory over the world number three.

Awaiting him next is Andrew Gilding, in a contest that positively radiates opportunity for both protagonists.As we approach the final day of action at this year’s German Darts Grand Prix, the tournament landscape remains tantalisingly wide open.

Unless Michael Smith navigates his way to ultimate glory, we are guaranteed a brand-new name etched onto the event’s roll of honour. Nine different nations remain represented, with England and the Netherlands commanding the largest share of the remaining field, boasting four players apiece.

2026 GERMAN DARTS GRAND PRIX (EVENT FOUR)

Munich, Germany (4-6 April)

Sunday Afternoon Session – Round Two

Ross Smith 6-2 Patrick Kovacs

Niels Zonneveld 6-1 Jermaine Wattimena

Karel Sedlacek 6-2 Damon Heta

Andrew Gilding 6-5 Daryl Gurney

Krzysztof Ratajski 6-5 Ryan Searle

Danny Noppert 6-5 Ritchie Edhouse

Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-5 Mike De Decker

Michael Smith 6-5 Dave Chisnall

Sunday Evening Session – Round Two