The Hungarian Darts Trophy 2026 delivered an afternoon of high-stakes action and dramatic finishes, setting the stage for an electrifying final session. Dave Chisnall took a significant leap towards securing his spot in the prestigious World Grand Prix, while Chris Dobey capped off his victory with a spectacular 170 checkout, famously known as the “Big Fish.” The quarterfinals are now set, featuring a highly anticipated rematch between Gian van Veen and Gary Anderson, and an all-Dutch showdown between Dirk van Duijvenbode and Danny Noppert. Nathan Aspinall also emerged victorious from a tense clash with Michael van Gerwen, promising an unforgettable evening of darts.
Chisnall’s Crucial Grand Prix Push
Dave Chisnall, the reigning champion from 2023, continued his impressive run at the Hungarian Darts Trophy, securing a vital quarter-final spot. His 6-2 victory over Keane Barry was a masterclass in consistent scoring and clinical finishing. Barry, who had impressed earlier, stumbled with four missed doubles in the opening leg, allowing Chisnall to take an early lead with a 109 checkout. Although Barry responded with a stunning 155 finish, “Chizzy” maintained control, sealing the match with an 11-darter. This win significantly boosts Chisnall’s chances for the World Grand Prix, giving him a £7,000 buffer. However, with Chisnall not qualified for the final two European Tour events, every pound earned here is crucial.
Chisnall now faces Ross Smith, who dispatched Jonny Clayton 6-4 in a match defined by Smith’s composed finishes. After an even start, Smith capitalized on Clayton’s missed break dart and subsequent errors on the doubles, securing a 19-dart break. He then saved a weaker throwing leg with a brilliant 103 checkout, ultimately closing out the match.
A Rematch of World Championship Proportions: Van Veen vs. Anderson
The darts world eagerly anticipates a stage rematch between Gian van Veen and Gary Anderson, following their memorable World Championship semi-final clash. Van Veen secured his spot with a stable 6-3 performance against Jermaine Wattimena. Wattimena’s missed 10-darter early on proved costly, as Van Veen quickly built a 4-1 lead. Despite a brief comeback from Wattimena, Van Veen shut the door with a 12-darter and capitalized on his opponent’s inability to clear 40 points.
Gary Anderson, meanwhile, produced a characteristic comeback to overcome Stephen Bunting 6-5. Bunting initially stormed to a 3-0 lead, but Anderson, “The Flying Scotsman,” roared back with 14- and 12-darters. As Bunting’s energy waned, Anderson found his rhythm, clinching the final two legs, including a decisive 15-darter in the deciding leg.
Dutch Dominance: Van Duijvenbode and Noppert Set for Showdown
The Netherlands will guarantee a semi-finalist as Dirk van Duijvenbode and Danny Noppert prepare to face each other. Dirk van Duijvenbode, known as “The Titan,” continues his pursuit of a first European Tour title or final appearance of the year. He overcame a 1-3 deficit against Rob Cross to win 6-4. Early double errors led to a “break festival,” but Van Duijvenbode found his stride with an 11-darter to level at 3-3, eventually taking the lead and closing out the match with two strong 14-darters.
Last year’s finalist, Danny Noppert, also advanced with a 6-4 victory over Ryan Searle. Searle struggled with missed doubles, while Noppert showcased some impressive checkouts, including a 121 finish for 2-2. He punished Searle’s errors with 72 and 70 point finishes, and sealed the win after Searle overthrew a 180, leaving himself with an unfinishable score.
Aspinall Outlasts Van Gerwen in Tense Affair
In a match that lacked a clear narrative but was full of drama, Nathan Aspinall defeated Michael van Gerwen 6-4. Aspinall could have led 4-0 early but struggled on the outer ring, allowing Van Gerwen to take a 3-1 lead with a perfect 100% double percentage. However, errors from the Dutchman opened the door, and “The Asp” swiftly moved to a 4-3 lead with 11 and 14-darters. Van Gerwen saved a match dart with a 90-bull finish, but Aspinall eventually closed out the match on his fifth attempt, securing a hard-fought victory.
Dobey’s Dazzling “Big Fish” Finish
The afternoon session concluded with a flourish as Chris Dobey sealed his 6-3 win over Josh Rock with a spectacular 170 checkout – the fabled “Big Fish.” Rock faced an uphill battle from a 0-3 deficit, partly due to his own missed doubles and Dobey’s clinical 98 and 119 finishes. With neither player seriously threatening the other’s throw in the latter stages, Dobey stepped up to hit the ultimate checkout, leaving the crowd in awe and securing his place in the quarterfinals.
Evening Session Schedule & Prize Money Breakdown
The final session of the Hungarian Darts Trophy 2026 kicks off at 19:00 CEST, promising more thrilling darts action.
Quarterfinals:
- Dirk van Duijvenbode vs. Danny Noppert
- Ross Smith vs. Dave Chisnall
- Gian van Veen vs. Gary Anderson
- Nathan Aspinall vs. Chris Dobey
Semi-finals:
- Winner of Van Duijvenbode/Noppert vs. Winner of Smith/Chisnall
- Winner of Van Veen/Anderson vs. Winner of Aspinall/Dobey
Final:
- Winner of Semi-final 1 vs. Winner of Semi-final 2
A total prize fund of £230,000 is up for grabs at the tournament. The winner will take home a grand prize of £35,000.
Prize Money Distribution:
- Winner: £35,000
- Runner-Up: £15,000
- Semi-finalists: £10,000
- Quarter-finalists: £8,000
- Last 16: £5,000
- Second Round: £3,500
- First Round: £2,000
It’s important to note that for prize money to count towards the PDC Order of Merit, European Tour Order of Merit, and Pro Tour Order of Merit, players must win their opening match. If a player loses their first game, they still receive the prize money, but it does not contribute to these vital rankings.
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
