Top seed and highest-ranked player in the tournament, Gian van Veen, proved the most notable casualty of Saturday night in Sindelfingen, on an evening that otherwise saw the sport’s heavy artillery march serenely into the business end of this season’s European Darts Grand Prix.
The Dutch prodigy has endured a frustrating struggle to rediscover his imperious best following recent surgery, and GVV’s campaign was cut short at the first hurdle by Joe Cullen.
For The Rockstar, it marks a welcome maiden appearance on a Sunday during this year’s Euro Tour circuit, and the Yorkshireman now advances to face the ever-calculated Krzysztof Ratajski, who edged past Mike De Decker earlier in the day.In the wake of Michael van Gerwen’s composed dismissal of home favourite Michael Unterbuchner, coupled with Kim Huybrechts’ defeat at the hands of James Wade, The Green Machine now stands as the sole remaining former champion in the field.
Next on the agenda for MVG is an all-Dutch encounter with Jermaine Wattimena, in what promises to be a frenetic, high-octane affair. Meanwhile, Wade’s superb triumph over The Hurricane, underpinned by an average north of 104, sets up a compelling last-16 showdown with Nathan Aspinall.
On his most recent Euro Tour outing in Munich, The Asp concluded proceedings clutching the German Darts Grand Prix title. And while not quite at his scintillating peak here, the two-time major champion eased past Jeffrey De Zwaan with consummate professionalism, earning the opportunity to attempt to dismantle the Machine.The Welsh contingent – Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price – also negotiated their opening assignments, albeit via contrasting routes.
The Iceman was forced to dig deep against a resurgent Dave Chisnall, eventually seizing control by claiming the final two legs from a tense 4-4 deadlock. In contrast, The Ferret was rarely troubled, producing a commanding exhibition to dispatch Valters Melderis, finishing with an imposing average just shy of 107.
Price will now take on Chris Dobey, who accounted for Andrew Gilding in the afternoon session, while Clayton faces a stern examination against Germany’s leading light, Martin Schindler. The Wall ensured home representation alongside Springer on Sunday with a dramatic last-leg victory over Damon Heta, much to the delight of the partisan crowd.Rounding off Saturday evening’s action, Ross Smith opened proceedings with a polished performance, edging past Cameron Menzies in a contest that featured six maximums – a routine haul for Smudger at full throttle.
The Devon thrower now locks horns with Josh Rock in what promises to be another electrifying encounter, as both men set their sights firmly on a place in the quarter-finals.
2026 EUROPEAN DARTS GRAND PRIX (ET5)
Sindelfingen, Germany (17-19 April)
Round Two: Saturday Afternoon Session
Krzysztof Ratajski 6-4 Mike De Decker
Jermaine Wattimena 6-3 Kevin Doets
Wessel Nijman 6-2 Ryan Searle
Danny Noppert 6-5 Oskar Lukasiak
Chris Dobey 6-2 Andrew Gilding
Niko Springer 6-3 Gary Anderson
Stephen Bunting 6-3 Mickey Mansell
Josh Rock 6-3 Keane Barry
Round Two: Saturday Evening Session
Ross Smith 6-4 Cameron Menzies
Gerwyn Price 6-4 Dave Chisnall
Nathan Aspinall 6-1 Jeffrey De Zwaan
James Wade 6-3 Kim Huybrechts
Joe Cullen 6-3 Gian van Veen
Michael van Gerwen 6-2 Michael Unterbuchner
Martin Schindler 6-5 Damon Heta
Jonny Clayton 6-1 Valters Melderis
Round Three Fixtures (Sunday)
Joe Cullen v Krzysztof Ratajski
Danny Noppert v Niko Springer
James Wade v Nathan Aspinall
Josh Rock v Ross Smith
Michael van Gerwen v Jermaine Wattimena
Stephen Bunting v Wessel Nijman
Jonny Clayton v Martin Schindler
Gerwyn Price v Chris Dobey
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Images: Sebastian Doppstadt / PDC Europe
