The European Darts Open in Leverkusen saw a night of mixed fortunes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. While defending champion Nathan Aspinall delivered a masterclass and stars like Michael van Gerwen and Jonny Clayton shone brightly, it was a tough evening for the German contingent. Only Jan Schmidt remains in the tournament after Niko Springer suffered a birthday defeat despite a stellar performance, and Martin Schindler exited with a disappointing display. Get ready for an action-packed final day!
German Hopes Dwindle at European Darts Open
The Saturday evening session at the European Darts Open proved challenging for Germany’s top dart players, with only Jan Schmidt progressing to the next stage.
Niko Springer’s Unlucky Birthday Defeat
Celebrating his 26th birthday, Niko Springer faced a formidable opponent in Gian van Veen. Despite an impressive 102.84 average – higher than his opponent’s – Springer ultimately fell 6-3. The match started frustratingly for Springer, who dominated the first two legs but failed to convert his doubles, allowing van Veen to snatch both. Van Veen then extended his lead to 3-0 with a 12-darter. Springer fought back with a brilliant 110 finish, but van Veen maintained control, eventually closing out the match on tops after Springer struggled on the 18-segment of a 90-point checkout.
Martin Schindler’s Disappointing Exit
Germany’s number one, Martin Schindler, had an evening to forget, losing 6-3 to Kevin Doets. Schindler’s average dipped below 80 (79.12), leaving him little chance against Doets, who quickly established a 3-0 lead. Although Schindler managed to pull back to 1-3 and 2-4, Doets consistently found his finishes, sealing the victory with an 88 checkout.
Star Players Deliver Masterclasses
While some faced early exits, the tournament’s top seeds showcased their class with dominant performances.
Defending Champion Nathan Aspinall Shines
Defending champion Nathan Aspinall made an emphatic statement, cruising to a 6-1 victory over Mickey Mansell. Aspinall’s performance was highlighted by an incredible 107.23 average. After sharing the first two legs, Aspinall hit top gear, reeling off five consecutive legs with darts of 12, 15, 14, 15, and 12, leaving Mansell with no reply.
Van Gerwen and Clayton’s Flawless Displays
- Michael van Gerwen (“Mighty Mike”) displayed his usual brilliance in a 6-2 win against Joe Cullen. He kicked off with a stunning 142 finish, followed by a 130 checkout, and sealed his victory with an 11-darter after six perfect darts.
- Jonny Clayton was equally dominant, dropping only one leg in his 6-1 triumph over Karel Sedlacek. Clayton quickly took a 3-0 lead and, despite Sedlacek’s solitary 11-darter, swiftly wrapped up the match.
Other Noteworthy Results from Saturday Evening:
- James Wade secured a solid 6-4 win against Maik Kuivenhoven in a tightly contested match.
- Ryan Joyce caused an upset, defeating Stephen Bunting 6-4, despite Bunting fighting back from an early deficit.
- Ross Smith delivered a strong performance, achieving a 100.24 average in his convincing 6-1 victory over Niels Zonneveld.
The Road to the Final: Sunday’s Schedule
The European Darts Open 2026 culminates on Sunday, July 12, with two thrilling sessions.
Sunday, July 12, 2026
- Afternoon Session (13:00 CEST): The Last 16 will battle it out for a spot in the quarter-finals.
- Evening Session (19:00 CEST): The tournament will conclude with the Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and the Grand Final, where a champion will be crowned.
Prize Money Breakdown
A total prize fund of £230,000 is up for grabs, with the winner taking home a substantial £35,000. It’s important to note that players must win their opening match for their prize money to count towards their respective ranking lists (PDC Order of Merit, European Tour Order of Merit, Pro Tour Order of Merit).
- Winner: £35,000
- Runner-Up: £15,000
- Semi-finalists: £10,000 each
- Quarter-finalists: £8,000 each
- Last 16: £5,000 each
- Second Round: £3,500 each
- First Round: £2,000 each
How to Watch the European Darts Open Final Day
Fans eager to catch all the darts action can tune in via streaming services. In many regions, the tournament is broadcast live and in HD on DAZN. DAZN offers various subscription models, allowing viewers to watch on Smart TVs, smartphones, PCs, laptops, and tablets. Additionally, in some areas, the event may be available for free on the DAZN Darts X Pluto TV Channel.
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
