The Flanders Darts Trophy kicked off with an explosion of drama, delivering shock upsets, nail-biting deciders, and heartbreaking blows to World Grand Prix aspirations. Gabriel Clemens showcased a dominant performance, while darts sensation Beau Greaves fought valiantly but ultimately fell in a thrilling final leg. Meanwhile, the dreams of Cristo Reyes and Kim Huybrechts for a spot in the prestigious World Grand Prix were dramatically crushed, setting a high-stakes tone for the rest of the tournament.
The opening night of the Flanders Darts Trophy on Friday, September 11th, 2026, was nothing short of spectacular, with players battling fiercely for a spot in the next round and crucial ranking points. From dominant displays to last-gasp victories and major tournament hopes hanging by a thread, Friday delivered an unforgettable start to the competition.
Friday’s Thrilling Action: Key Matches & Outcomes
Clemens Cruises, Greaves’ Heartbreak
Germany’s “German Giant,” Gabriel Clemens, secured his place in the second round with a solid 6-4 victory over Cameron Menzies. Clemens displayed consistent form, fending off Menzies’ early highlights to take control of the match and confirm his progress.
In one of the evening’s most dramatic encounters, rising star Beau Greaves narrowly lost 6-5 to Damon Heta in a deciding leg. Greaves, initially trailing 1-4, mounted an incredible comeback, even saving match darts to force a decider. However, Heta ultimately held his nerve with a crucial 102 finish to claim the win, leaving Greaves to ponder what might have been.
World Grand Prix Dreams Shattered
The Flanders Darts Trophy held significant weight for players vying for a spot in the coveted World Grand Prix, a major tournament known for its double-in, double-out format. For two players, those dreams were tragically cut short:
- Cristo Reyes’ World Grand Prix hopes were dashed after a 6-3 defeat to a red-hot Rob Cross. “Voltage” Cross played exceptionally, boasting a 105 average, and proved too strong for Reyes, who fought hard but couldn’t withstand Cross’s clinical finishing in the latter stages.
- In an equally heartbreaking match, Kim Huybrechts lost an incredible thriller to Sebastian Bialecki, missing six match darts in the decider. Huybrechts battled back from a 3-5 deficit, hitting a crucial 112 finish to force a final leg. However, the pressure proved too much, and Bialecki, who had earlier hit stunning 170 and 126 finishes, secured the win, ending Huybrechts’ Grand Prix ambitions.
This outcome means that Bialecki’s victory was pivotal, likely securing his own place in the top 15 of the Pro Tour Order of Merit, which is crucial for Grand Prix qualification.
Other Notable Performances
- Home crowd favourite Andy Baetens delighted the Belgian fans with a strong 6-3 win over Joe Cullen. Baetens established early leads and maintained his composure, despite Cullen hitting high finishes of 160 and 100.
- Former world champion Raymond van Barneveld struggled significantly, losing 6-2 to Jim Long. Van Barneveld’s performance was marred by an uncharacteristically low 82 average and a dismal 13% checkout rate, allowing the Canadian to comfortably advance.
- William O’Connor secured a comfortable 6-2 victory against Kevin Lankhuizen, who was making his first European Tour appearance. Lankhuizen, who usually works as a snack bar owner, faced tough competition from O’Connor, who quickly built a lead with impressive finishes.
- The final match of the evening saw Brendan Dolan secure a 6-3 win over Dirk van Duijvenbode. Despite a slightly subdued atmosphere after the earlier drama, “The History Maker” efficiently closed out his match.
Looking Ahead: Saturday’s Second Round Showdown
Saturday, September 12th, 2026, promises even more excitement as the 16 seeded players enter the tournament, joining the winners from Friday’s first round. The action will unfold across two sessions:
Afternoon Session (13:00 CEST)
- Krzysztof Ratajski (16) vs. Kevin Doets
- Jermaine Wattimena (13) vs. Karel Sedlacek
- Martin Schindler (15) vs. Rob Cross
- Danny Noppert (7) vs. Chris Landman
- Ryan Searle (8) vs. Andy Baetens
- Chris Dobey (9) vs. Niels Zonneveld
- Luke Woodhouse (14) vs. William O’Connor
- Ross Smith (12) vs. Jeffrey de Graaf
Evening Session (19:00 CEST)
- Josh Rock (4) vs. Ryan Joyce
- Gerwyn Price (5) vs. Bradley Brooks
- James Wade (2) vs. Jim Long
- Gian van Veen (1) vs. Gabriel Clemens
- Michael van Gerwen (3) vs. Damon Heta
- Nathan Aspinall (11) vs. Niko Springer
- Stephen Bunting (6) vs. Brendan Dolan
- Wessel Nijman (10) vs. Sebastian Bialecki
The Stakes: Prize Money and Ranking Points
The Flanders Darts Trophy boasts a substantial prize fund, with a total of £230,000 up for grabs. The ultimate champion will walk away with a hefty £35,000.
It’s important to note how prize money affects player rankings:
- For the 32 pre-qualified players (via PDC Order of Merit and Pro Tour Order of Merit), their prize money only counts towards the various ranking lists if they win their opening match.
- If these players lose their first game, they still receive the prize money, but it does not contribute to their standing in the PDC Order of Merit, European Tour Order of Merit, or Pro Tour Order of Merit.
Prize Money Breakdown:
- Winner: £35,000
- Runner-Up: £15,000
- Semi-Finals: £10,000
- Quarter-Finals: £8,000
- Last 16: £5,000
- Last 32: £3,500
- Last 64: £2,000
How to Watch the Action
Darts tournaments are typically broadcast live on sports streaming platforms and dedicated darts channels, often available via subscription. Some events may also be accessible on free-to-air sports channels or specific online platforms, allowing fans to catch the action from home. Many streaming services also offer the option to watch missed games on demand, ensuring fans don’t miss any of the thrilling moments.
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
