Coveted Euro Tour berths were the prized currency in Germany this afternoon, as a congregation of aspirants assembled with singular intent: to secure one of the four elusive host nation positions available.
Ambition was palpable, tension unmistakable.As anticipated, the field bore a distinctly German complexion, though it was not devoid of international intrigue. A sprinkling of Italian contenders added Mediterranean flavour, a solitary Polish hopeful joined the fray, and even a representative from the United States ventured into the field.
First on the double-header qualifying docket was an opportunity to feature at the European Darts Trophy in Göttingen, the second instalment of the season. By the time the final dart had thudded into sisal, a quartet of recognisable names had emerged, each now ticketed for Lower Saxony in mid-March with designs on making a substantive impression.
Florian Hempel is no ingénue when it comes to continental competition. Since debuting at the Dutch Darts Masters, the Cologne native has been a recurrent presence on the circuit. Having slipped from the PDC ranks last year, this return to a familiar stage offers both redemption and opportunity.
Alongside the 35-year-old stands another Florian – one with the surname Preis – with Paul Krohne and Dragutin Horvat completing the successful quartet.There was scant time for reflection. Attention pivoted swiftly to the race for places at the German Darts Grand Prix in Munich.
In a pleasing twist of variety, an entirely different foursome emerged triumphant. Only Florian Preis flirted with the prospect of a double qualification, yet his ambitions were emphatically curtailed at the eleventh hour by countryman, Finn Behrens. The remaining successful candidates – Jan Schmidt, Marcel Hausotter and Kevin Troppmann – will now prepare for their early April Munich assignment.
The qualifying odyssey continues tomorrow, with two further juicy carrots dangling. Four more coveted slots in each event await those capable of navigating the gauntlet, earning passage either to the European Darts Grand Prix in Sindelfingen or the Riesa hosted, International Darts Open.
—-Ends—–
Images: PDC
