The 2026 European Tour season has exploded into action at the Poland Darts Open in Krakow, delivering both dazzling performances and surprising upsets. Boris Krcmar stole the show with an exceptional display, setting up an anticipated clash with Martin Schindler. However, the biggest shock came as veteran Dave Chisnall crashed out early after a disappointing performance. Andrew Gilding also lit up the stage with the highest average of the day, promising an electrifying tournament ahead.
The highly anticipated 2026 European Tour season officially commenced with the opening session of the Poland Darts Open in Krakow. Fans witnessed a mix of dominant displays and unexpected exits, setting a vibrant tone for the tournament. While some favorites advanced with ease, others faced early heartbreak.
Krcmar’s Masterclass and the Looming Schindler Showdown
One of the standout performers of the day was Croatia’s Boris Krcmar. “Relentless” lived up to his nickname, dispatching Ryan Joyce with a superb 102.44 average. Krcmar wasted no time making his mark, securing his first leg with a stunning 147 finish and later adding a 115 checkout. Despite a tight start, Krcmar pulled away to a 6-3 victory, dropping only three legs. His impressive form has now set the stage for an exciting second-round encounter against Germany’s Martin Schindler, a match darts enthusiasts will not want to miss.
Chisnall’s Shock Exit and Pilgrim’s Triumph
The biggest upset of the opening session saw seasoned pro Dave Chisnall make an early departure. “Chizzy” struggled to find his rhythm and form, ultimately falling 4-6 to Darryl Pilgrim. Chisnall’s performance was notably below par, culminating in a nervy final leg where he uncharacteristically missed eleven checkouts for a potential decider. This early exit marks a disappointing start to the European Tour season for the fan favorite.
Gilding’s Golden Touch and Other Notable Victories
While Krcmar impressed, it was Andrew Gilding who recorded the highest average of the day, a magnificent 106.55. “Goldfinger” showcased his class by overcoming Jeffrey de Graaf 6-3, remarkably recovering from an 0-3 deficit. Gilding’s precision was evident as he needed no more than 15 darts in any leg and even sealed a checkout with a stylish 128 on the bullseye.
Other players who successfully navigated the first round include:
- Jermaine Wattimena secured a 6-4 victory over Miroslaw Grudziecki, despite a less-than-stellar 86.73 average. Grudziecki missed a crucial 80 finish that could have forced a decider.
- Luke Woodhouse comfortably defeated debutant Carl Sneyd 6-2, with Sneyd’s 121 checkout being a lone highlight.
- Niels Zonneveld proved too strong for Polish debutant Piotr Maciejczak, winning 6-2 with impressive 131 and 112 finishes.
- Cameron Menzies kicked off his European Tour campaign with a 6-4 win against Ritchie Edhouse, hitting nine 180s in the process.
- William O’Connor advanced by beating Andreas Harrysson 6-4, capitalizing on his opponent’s missed doubles.
The Road Ahead: Prize Money and Ranking Implications
The Poland Darts Open offers a substantial prize fund of £230,000, with the champion taking home £35,000. However, there’s a crucial rule for the 32 pre-qualified players: their prize money only counts towards the PDC Order of Merit, European Tour Order of Merit, and Pro Tour Order of Merit if they win their opening match. Losing in the first round still means they receive the prize money, but it does not contribute to their ranking points. This rule adds an extra layer of pressure to those seeded players.
Here’s a breakdown of the prize money:
- Winner: £35,000
- Runner-Up: £15,000
- Semi-Finals: £10,000
- Quarter-Finals: £8,000
- Last 16: £5,000
- Last 32 (2nd Round): £3,500
- Last 48 (1st Round): £2,000
The tournament continues with the evening session, promising more thrilling darts action as the first round concludes and players battle for a spot in the next stage.
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
