The WDF Europe Cup is heating up, with Finland’s Jani Haavisto delivering a phenomenal performance, hitting the highest average in the Open Singles Last 64. German sensation Paul Krohne also showcased his championship credentials with an impressive win. While the host nation’s last hope has been extinguished, powerhouses Czechia and Ireland are proving formidable, with multiple players advancing, setting the stage for an electrifying Last 32.
Haavisto Sets the Bar High
The WDF Europe Cup in Torshavn is witnessing some incredible darts, and Finland’s Jani Haavisto has certainly stolen the spotlight. In the Open Singles Last 64, Haavisto delivered a masterclass, achieving the highest average of 99.03. This stellar performance secured his spot in the highly anticipated Last 32.
His victory was no easy feat, as he defeated Daniel Zapata 4-2, who himself put up a strong fight with an impressive 92.45 average. Haavisto’s consistent scoring and clinical finishing demonstrated why he’s considered a serious contender for the title.
Krohne’s Championship Form Shines Through
Germany’s Paul Krohne is another player making a significant statement. Known for his powerful game, Krohne immediately showed his intent in his Last 64 match against Scott Campbell. He opened with a stunning 121 checkout for a 12-darter in the very first leg. Although the match went the full distance, Krohne ultimately triumphed 4-3, showcasing his composure under pressure.
This strong showing aligns perfectly with Krohne’s impressive 2026 season, which has already seen him clinch multiple WDF Silver titles at the Dutch, Swiss, and Belgium Opens. His current form suggests he’s a serious threat in the tournament.
Other High-Flying Performances
The Last 64 round was packed with high-quality darts, with several players breaking the 90-average mark to secure their progression to the Last 32:
- Jamie Bain (96.325 average)
- Anton Östlund (93.94 average)
- Mitchell Lawrie (93.54 average)
- David Davies (92.59 average)
- Jenson Walker (90.62 average)
These outstanding averages highlight the intense competition and the high skill level present at the WDF Europe Cup.
Host Nation’s Journey Ends
Sadly, the dream run for the host nation, the Faroes, has come to an end. Jan Erik Fjallstein, the last remaining home player in the Open Singles, was defeated 4-0 by Ireland’s Gerard McGlynn. McGlynn’s dominant performance sees him advance to the Last 32, where he is joined by Denmark’s promising talent, Benjamin Drue Reus.
Nations Poised for Medal Glory
As the tournament progresses, two nations are particularly well-positioned for a strong medal push, demonstrating impressive depth in their squads:
Czechia’s Dominance
Czechia has shown remarkable strength, with all four of their Open Teams semi-finalists still competing in the singles event:
- Petr Touš
- David Písek
- Dominik Moravčik
- Jindřich Ulrych
Their collective performance suggests they are a force to be reckoned with across the board.
Ireland’s Strong Contenders
Ireland also boasts a formidable presence, with three of their Open Teams semi-finalists still in the singles competition:
- Gerard McGlynn
- Damien Grimes
- Raymond Mulvey
With multiple top players advancing, both Czechia and Ireland are looking strong contenders for the ultimate prize as the tournament moves into its critical stages.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
