The 2026 Machineseeker European Championship in Dortmund began with an electrifying bang! Luke Woodhouse stole the show by hitting a rare nine-dart finish during his dominant 6-3 victory over Dirk van Duijvenbode. Other major players like defending champion Gian van Veen, Gerwyn Price, and top seed Ross Smith also secured their spots in the next round, though not without some nail-biting moments. However, 2018 champion James Wade faced an early exit, while late replacement Kim Huybrechts delivered a stunning performance. The stage is set for more thrilling darts action!
Woodhouse’s Perfect Start: A Nine-Dart Masterpiece
The opening night of the 2026 Machineseeker European Championship in Dortmund was instantly etched into history thanks to a spectacular moment from Luke Woodhouse. Facing Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode, Woodhouse achieved darts’ ultimate feat: a nine-dart finish.
For those unfamiliar, a nine-darter is the darts equivalent of a perfect game in baseball or a 147 break in snooker. It means completing a leg (scoring from 501 down to zero, ending on a double) in the absolute minimum of nine throws. Woodhouse nailed this incredible achievement in the fourth leg of his match, setting the tone for a comfortable 6-3 first-round win.
Reflecting on his historic moment, Woodhouse shared, “I had a chance for a nine-darter at the World Championship and that didn’t go very well! I know it’s a cliche but the most important thing is the win, so I tried to get myself nice and calm and just crack on with the game. I’m feeling really good at the moment. I’ve probably had the best 12 months of my life darts wise, so let’s hope it’s my weekend!”
Woodhouse will now face defending champion Gian van Veen in the next round, promising another thrilling encounter.
Champions and Top Seeds Navigate Opening Night
The tournament saw several big names successfully navigate their first-round challenges:
- Gian van Veen Breaks the Curse: The reigning champion, Gian van Veen, overcame a 3-2 deficit against Andrew Gilding to win four of the next five legs, securing a 6-4 victory. This win was significant as it marked the first time a defending champion won their opening match since 2018, dispelling a long-standing “hoodoo.”
- Gerwyn Price Dominates: Former World Champion Gerwyn Price showcased solid form, dispatching two-time former winner Rob Cross with a convincing 6-2 scoreline. Price impressed with high finishes of 127 and 135, demonstrating his scoring power.
- Ross Smith Survives Scare: Top seed and 2022 champion Ross Smith endured a tense battle against Karel Sedlacek. Despite a topsy-turvy match filled with breaks of throw, Smith ultimately secured a 6-4 win. Sedlacek will surely regret missing five crucial darts at a double that could have sent the match to a deciding leg with him having the advantage.
Upsets and Nail-Biting Finishes
The opening night wasn’t short on drama, with some unexpected results and incredibly close contests:
- James Wade’s Early Exit: The 2018 champion, James Wade, was an early casualty. In a tight match against Damon Heta, Wade missed four critical match darts before eventually succumbing to a 6-5 defeat.
- Bunting’s Magical Finish: Stephen Bunting pulled off a sensational 160 checkout in the final leg to defeat Danny Noppert 6-5, a finish that truly came “from the gods.”
- Huybrechts Shines as Replacement: Belgian veteran Kim Huybrechts stepped in as a very late replacement for the unwell Luke Humphries. He seized the opportunity with both hands, averaging nearly 104 in a dominant 6-1 thrashing of Ryan Searle, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with.
- Menzies Advances: Cameron Menzies also secured his spot in the next round, defeating recent Dutch Darts Championship winner Niels Zonneveld with an assured 6-3 victory.
What’s Next? Friday’s Blockbuster Line-up
The excitement continues on Friday evening, October 23rd, with another packed schedule of first-round matches. Fans will be particularly keen to see teenage sensation Luke Littler begin his quest for the only major title missing from his burgeoning collection.
Key matches to look forward to include:
- Ryan Joyce v Jermaine Wattimena
- Krzysztof Ratajski v Dave Chisnall
- Nathan Aspinall v Cristo Reyes
- Jonny Clayton v Niko Springer
- Luke Littler v William O’Connor
- Wessel Nijman v Martin Schindler
- Kevin Doets v Michael van Gerwen
- Josh Rock v Chris Dobey
Don’t miss the continued action from Dortmund as players battle for European glory!
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
