Saturday night at the Austrian Darts Open witnessed the host nation’s hero crash out, the pre-tournament favourite emphatically beaten and a five-time former tournament champion shine brightly.
Kicking off the evening, it was Northern Ireland’s World Cup-winning duo of Daryl Gurney and Josh Rock who claimed victory in the opening two matches.
Both men in green (figuratively) advanced to the final day with identical 6-3 scorelines. Superchin impressed in seeing off multiple Euro Tour champion Ian White, while Rocky always looked likely to have too much for Patrik Kovacs, despite the Hungarian putting up a decent fight.
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That took us into what the vast majority inside the Stadthalle Graz viewed as the showpiece event, with home hero Mensur Suljović taking on James Wade. Four legs in, however, and with The Machine having taken the lot, the atmosphere understandably quietened. But suddenly, The Gentle found his rhythm and, with Wadey dropping from his superb early standard, the deficit was cut to 4-2.
Unfortunately for the 3,000 Austrians packed inside the arena, the decorated left-hander pinned a pivotal Shanghai finish and, with it, effectively ended hopes of a Mensur comeback – one that officially disappeared around three minutes later. Standing in Wade’s path next is Luke Woodhouse as the Englishman chases a first Euro Tour title in almost a decade.
Then came The Green Machine, producing a vintage Michael van Gerwen-esque display. Facing Krzysztof Ratajski, it looked a potentially dangerous contest for the Dutchman, especially after falling 2-0 behind early on. Any concerns among MVG fans were quickly eased as he rattled off five consecutive legs before eventually sending the Polish Eagle packing shortly after. The result sets up a clash between two former World Champions, with Van Gerwen now facing Rob Cross.
Next on stage in their respective matches came the other Dutchmen who make up their nation’s current top three. Unlike the Northern Irish duo earlier in the evening though, only one emerged victorious – and only just.
Danny Noppert looked enormously relieved after edging Alan Soutar in a deciding-leg shootout, largely because it was a match the Scot really should have won. Holding a 200-point advantage midway through the leg, the firefighter failed to convert numerous opportunities at a double and Noppie punished him, reeling him in before stealing the victory. The Freeze now faces stable-mate and nine-dart man, Reyes.
However, the race is already run for reigning European Champion Gian van Veen, who frustratingly fell at the first hurdle for the third consecutive time on this year’s Euro Tour. Full credit goes to Madars Razma, who stayed with the 23-year-old throughout, but with the advantage of throw in the decider, Gian was visibly frustrated after failing to make it count. It’s Rocky up next for the Latvian.
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Then, to round off Saturday night, came back-to-back victories for a pair of Germans. First, Martin Schindler marched past a below-par Peter Wright to set up a repeat of last year’s final against Ross Smith. Finally, onto the last match of the evening, which stunned just about everyone – not so much because of the winner, but because of the scoreline.
Given the fact Wessel Nijman has been hoovering up titles this season, few expected him to lose to Niko Springer, let alone be whitewashed. You can probably allow the flying Dutchman a rare off-night considering the brilliance he has shown throughout the year.
As for Springer, it was an excellent display, nudging just beyond the ton-average mark to dump out many people’s favourite for the green jacket. If Meenzur Bub fancies adding to his wardrobe, he must get past Rocky.
One day remains. And with so many star names either absent or already eliminated, the door is wide open for others to seize their opportunity. Could it be the time Kevin Doets adds a Euro Tour crown to his recent breakthrough Players Championship success? Or will James Wade return to the continental winner’s circle for the first time in almost a decade?
Those are just two of the many fascinating possibilities ahead of what could yet prove to be a historic evening in Graz.
2026 PDC AUSTRIAN DARTS OPEN – ET6
Graz, Austria (8-10 May)
ROUND TWO – Saturday 9th May (Afternoon Session)
Andrew Gilding 6-4 Jermaine Wattimena
Ryan Joyce 6-3 Mike De Decker
Rob Cross 6-3 William O’Connor
Kevin Doets 6-2 Ryan Searle
Ross Smith 6-3 Niels Zonneveld
Cristo Reyes 6-4 Damon Heta
Luke Woodhouse 6-1 Rob Owen
Kim Huybrechts 6-5 Chris Dobey
ROUND TWO – Saturday 9th May (Evening Session)
Daryl Gurney 6-3 Ian White
Josh Rock 6-3 Patrik Kovacs
James Wade 6-2 Mensur Suljović
Michael van Gerwen 6-3 Krzysztof Ratajski
Danny Noppert 6-5 Alan Soutar
Madars Razma 6-5 Gian van Veen
Martin Schindler 6-2 Peter Wright
Niko Springer 6-0 Wessel Nijman
ROUND THREE – Sunday 10th May (Afternoon Session)
Kevin Doets v Ryan Joyce
James Wade v Luke Woodhouse
Kim Huybrechts v Andrew Gilding
Michael van Gerwen v Rob Cross
Danny Noppert v Cristo Reyes
Josh Rock v Niko Springer
Ross Smith v Martin Schindler
Madars Razma v Daryl Gurney
——ENDS——
Images: PDC Europe
