The European Darts Trophy in Göttingen kicked off with a bang, featuring remarkable upsets and a new tournament record! German hopefuls Paul Krohne and Lukas Wenig secured impressive victories, with Krohne achieving his first-ever European Tour win against Cameron Menzies, and Wenig overcoming Ryan Joyce. However, it wasn’t a clean sweep for the Germans, as Florian Hempel faced defeat and Florian Preis suffered a whitewash. The highlight of the afternoon was Kevin Doets’ phenomenal performance, setting a new tournament average record of 117.12. The action continues tonight with the remaining first-round matches, all vying for a share of the substantial £230,000 prize fund.
German Talents Make Their Mark
Paul Krohne’s Historic First Win
Twenty-five-year-old German talent Paul Krohne from Münster made history by securing his first-ever victory on the European Tour stage. He defeated Scotland’s Cameron Menzies 6-4 in a hard-fought match. Krohne maintained a respectable 90+ average, capitalizing significantly on Menzies’ struggles with his doubles, which stood at a mere 15%. Krohne punished Menzies’ six missed darts in the very first leg and again in the third, securing crucial breaks. Despite Menzies’ efforts to stay in the game, Krohne’s precision, including a fantastic 120 checkout for a 12-darter, gave him a two-leg lead. He then punished another six missed checkouts from Menzies to go 5-2 up, eventually closing out the match on double 8. Krohne now faces Josh Rock in the next round.
Lukas Wenig Secures Round Two Spot
Lukas Wenig also advanced to the second round, defeating Ryan Joyce 6-3 in the afternoon’s final match. While it wasn’t the highest-scoring affair, with Wenig averaging in the 80s, it was enough to overcome a struggling Joyce, who lacked his usual timing. Wenig himself missed five checkouts in the opening leg but quickly found his rhythm to level the score and then take a 3-1 lead. Although Joyce fought back with a 122 finish and Wenig responded with a high 126 checkout, Joyce’s six missed checkouts ultimately paved the way for Wenig to clinch the victory in 23 darts.
Setbacks for Other German Contenders
Florian Hempel Falls Short
Florian Hempel, returning to the European Tour as a non-Tour Card holder, faced a tough challenge against Richard Veenstra and ultimately fell 3-6. Hempel struggled with an 83 average and inconsistent finishing on his doubles. Veenstra started strong with a 106 checkout in the first leg and quickly established a 3-0 lead. Hempel showed flashes of brilliance with a 94 checkout and later a 101 finish to narrow the gap to 3-5, but his overall scoring was insufficient to create enough opportunities, and those he did create often went unpunished. Veenstra sealed the win on double 10.
Florian Preis Suffers Whitewash
Florian Preis, who earned his spot via the Host Nation Qualifier, endured a difficult European Tour debut, suffering a 6-0 whitewash against Ricky Evans. Despite an 83 average that suggested more potential, Preis was unable to win a single leg. Evans was clinical, taking out 70 points early and consistently hitting his doubles. Preis had opportunities, missing three checkouts at 0-4 and another three at 0-5, but Evans remained composed, closing out the match in the seventh leg.
Afternoon Session Highlights and Records
Kevin Doets Shatters Tournament Average Record
The standout performance of the afternoon came from Kevin Doets, who delivered an astounding display of darts. Doets recorded a phenomenal average of 117.12 points, setting a new tournament record for the European Darts Trophy. This incredible feat also places his performance among the top five highest averages in European Tour history. Doets dominated Jonas Masalin 6-0, despite Masalin having four checkdarts himself. Doets’ masterclass included three 12-darters, an 11-darter, and a superb 136 checkout.
Other Notable First Round Victories
- Darius Labanauskas secured a solid 6-3 win against Andrew Gilding, boasting a strong 98.16 average and an early 126 checkout. Gilding’s 27% double success rate proved costly.
- Niels Zonneveld comfortably defeated Keane Barry 6-1, with a highlight being Zonneveld’s impressive 141 finish.
- Krzysztof Ratajski overcame Shane McGuirk 6-4. ‘The Polish Eagle’ started strong with a 130 checkout in the first leg and built a 3-0 lead, which he held onto to close out the match without major issues.
What’s Next at the European Darts Trophy?
The European Darts Trophy continues with the evening session, where the remaining eight first-round matches will be completed.
Evening Session Matches (Scheduled)
- Dave Chisnall vs. Jeffrey de Zwaan
- Dirk van Duijvenbode vs. Mario Vandenbogaerde
- Luke Woodhouse vs. Dragutin Horvat
- Daryl Gurney vs. Sebastian Bialecki
- Joe Cullen vs. Wojciech Brulinski
- Niko Springer vs. Kai Gotthardt
- William O’Connor vs. Mensur Suljovic
- Wessel Nijman vs. Cristo Reyes
Prize Money Breakdown
A total of £230,000 is up for grabs at the tournament, with the winner taking home a substantial £35,000. Here’s a detailed 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 (Second Round): £3,500
- First Round: £2,000
Important Note on Prize Money: For the 32 pre-qualified players (those who enter in the second round), their prize money only contributes to the PDC Order of Merit, European Tour Order of Merit, and Pro Tour Order of Merit if they win their first match. If they lose, they still receive the money, but it doesn’t count towards their ranking.
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
