Day two in Basel – the one where the big guns enter the fray. With places at the World Grand Prix and European Championship still hanging by a thread, some dreams were kept alive and others booted out the door.
By Sunday evening the line-up for Leicester will be finalised – and today’s results did plenty of the heavy lifting.
Here’s how the round two action unfolded this afternoon:
Ryan Searle 6–3 Niels Zonneveld
Seeded up and switched on, Ryan Searle booked his place in the last day of action despite a strong showing from Zonneveld. Both averaged over 100 and finished at 60% – it was all very pretty. But despite Triple Z hammering in six maximums to Searle’s lonely one, when it mattered, Heavy Metal hit the right notes. He’ll face Humphries or Rydz next.
Dave Chisnall 2–6 Luke Woodhouse
A breathtaking display from Woody – averaging over 110 – saw him blow Chizzy away and cruise into the last 16. Frankly, there wasn’t much Chisnall could have done against that bombardment. His miserable 2025 continues with yet another early Euro Tour exit. This is what Woodhouse can do. The problem is he doesn’t produce it often enough – but when he does, wow. Can he repeat it against Rock or Wattimena?
For Chisnall, the defeat dents his European Championship hopes. Unless he finds something at the German Darts Championship, Dortmund is slipping away fast.
Peter Wright 3–6 Cor Dekker
If you enjoy slow-burn, off-key darts, this was the match for you. Dekker averaged 80 – and that was enough to beat a two-time world champion. Wright limped home with 17.65% on doubles, and looked a shadow of himself. Dekker, to his credit, took his chance, even if his own finishing wasn’t stellar. Wright’s decline continues, and while it’s painful to watch, Dekker won’t care – he moves on to face Dobey or Suljovic.
Mike De Decker 5–6 Krzysztof Ratajski
The Polish Eagle swooped when it mattered, edging De Decker in a decider and boosting his qualification chances for both the Grand Prix and the European Championship. Belgium’s number one looked like he’d left himself too much to do after trailing 4–1. However, he clawed back to force a last leg, but on throw, Ratajski stood firm. The Pole’s win is massive for Leicester and Dortmund. He’ll play either Bunting or Landman next.
Rob Cross 6–2 Richard Veenstra
Straightforward stuff from Voltage. After a sluggish start he settled, took control, and coasted home. Not spectacular, not explosive, just efficient – like a man who knows it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Bobby v Noppie next.
Gian van Veen 6–0 Dirk van Duijvenbode
The result wasn’t a shock, but the scoreline raised eyebrows. Van Veen destroyed the Aubergenius, who managed just five darts at double all match. Gian even had time to thrill the crowd with a 170 checkout. A bagel served, and now he’ll meet Wade or Joyce.
Danny Noppert 6–5 William O’Connor
The Freeze iced O’Connor in a tense decider to close out the afternoon. Noppie’s power scoring and ruthless finishing edged The Magpie, who actually had more darts at double but lacked the killer blow. From 3–0 down, O’Connor fought back admirably, but the Dutchman kept his nerve at the death. Noppert now faces Rob Cross, while O’Connor’s Grand Prix dream ends here.
Ritchie Edhouse Bye (Ross Smith withdrawn)
Ross Smith withdrew citing family reasons. Hopefully nothing serious – best wishes to Smudger and his family. Not the way Edhouse would’ve chosen to advance, but advance he does. He’ll meet Barney or Heta on Sunday.
The second round continues later:
Evening Session (1900 local time, 1800 BST)
James Wade v Ryan Joyce
Martin Schindler v Ricardo Pietreczko
Josh Rock v Jermaine Wattimena
Luke Humphries v Callan Rydz
Jonny Clayton v Nathan Aspinall
Damon Heta v Raymond van Barneveld
Stephen Bunting v Chris Landman
Chris Dobey v Mensur Suljovic
—–Ends—–
Images: PDC
