The Hungarian Darts Trophy kicked off with a bang, seeing defending champion Niko Springer dramatically ousted by Ryan Searle in a thrilling 6-4 encounter. The tournament also saw other notable upsets and strong performances, with Dutch talent Wessel Nijman falling to a red-hot Dave Chisnall, while Ross Smith, Jermaine Wattimena, and Danny Noppert secured their spots in the next round after intense battles. Get ready for more high-stakes darts action as the competition heats up!
Defending Champion Dethroned: Searle vs. Springer
In one of the most anticipated matches of the afternoon session, **defending champion Niko Springer** faced a formidable challenge from **Ryan Searle**. Despite a strong start, Springer ultimately succumbed to a **6-4 defeat**, unable to defend his title.
- Springer began impressively, hitting a 14-dart leg.
- However, he missed crucial darts for a 78-finish, allowing Searle to gain momentum.
- Searle seized the opportunity, notably with a **121 bullseye finish** and a double-20 checkout to lead 3-1.
- Springer fought back valiantly with a **111 finish** and a 75 checkout to level the score at 3-3.
- **Crucial missed doubles proved costly for Springer**, including four in the eighth leg.
- Searle maintained his composure, eventually closing out the match on tops, despite Springer’s late attempt at a 164 checkout.
Nijman’s Form Dip Continues Against Chisnall
**Wessel Nijman’s recent dip in form** was evident as he suffered a **2-6 loss to Dave Chisnall**. Chisnall, showcasing vintage form with a **100+ average**, dominated the match from the outset.
- Chisnall quickly secured the first three legs.
- Nijman had chances on doubles in two of those legs but couldn’t convert.
- A 13-dart leg finally got Nijman on the scoreboard.
- Despite missing two darts for a commanding lead, Chisnall remained untouchable on his own throw.
- Nijman’s **four further missed doubles** ultimately sealed his fate, as Chisnall hit double-5 for the win.
Smith, Wattimena & Noppert Secure Wins
The afternoon session also saw strong performances from several other top players:
Ross Smith Rebounds with Dominant Win
After a disappointing double first-round exit at the World Series Down Under, **Ross Smith showed impressive resilience**, securing a **6-2 victory over William O’Connor**.
- Smith raced to a **5-0 lead** with legs of 15, 18, 12, 12, and 16 darts.
- His performance included stunning **116 and 112 finishes**.
- O’Connor struggled early, missing his first six attempts at a double.
- “The Magpie” found some rhythm with a 121 bullseye finish and claimed a second leg, but Smith quickly closed the match on double-8.
Wattimena Carries Momentum to Budapest
**Jermaine Wattimena** brought his winning form from Tuesday’s Players Championship, defeating **Andrew Gilding 6-4** in a closely contested match.
- The match saw seven consecutive holds before Wattimena broke with a 15-dart leg in the eighth.
- He missed his first match dart, giving Gilding a glimmer of hope for a deciding leg.
- However, Wattimena had other plans, sealing the win with a brilliant **11-dart leg**.
Noppert Overcomes Edhouse in Tense Battle
Fellow Dutchman **Danny Noppert** also advanced with a **6-4 victory over Ritchie Edhouse**.
- The first four legs were holds of throw.
- Noppert secured the first break with a 13-dart leg, confirming it with a 12-darter.
- He looked set for a comfortable win after a 14-dart leg.
- **Four missed match darts** allowed Edhouse to claw back to 4-5.
- Noppert held his nerve in the eighth round to secure his place in Sunday’s play.
Tournament Continues: Evening Session & Prize Money
The Hungarian Darts Trophy 2026 continues with the evening session, completing the second round. Darts fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters as the tournament progresses towards its climax.
Prize Money Breakdown
The tournament boasts a substantial prize fund of **£230,000**, with the winner taking home a lucrative **£35,000**. 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. Losing their first game still earns them the prize money, but it won’t contribute to their ranking.
- Winner: £35,000
- Runner-Up: £15,000
- Semi-Finalists: £10,000
- Quarter-Finalists: £8,000
- Last 16: £5,000
- Last 32 (2nd Round): £3,500
- First Round: £2,000
Saturday, August 29, 2026: Afternoon Session Results (2nd Round)
- Ross Smith (13) 6-2 William O’Connor (101.33 – 97.41)
- Wessel Nijman (12) 2-6 Dave Chisnall (89.43 – 100.47)
- Jermaine Wattimena (15) 6-4 Andrew Gilding (96.67 – 90.80)
- Danny Noppert (8) 6-4 Ritchie Edhouse (94.01 – 90.93)
- Ryan Searle (9) 6-4 Niko Springer (97.31 – 94.23)
- Luke Woodhouse (16) – Rob Cross (To Follow)
- Gary Anderson (10) – Krzysztof Ratajski (To Follow)
- Chris Dobey (11) – Tom Sykes (To Follow)
Saturday, August 29, 2026: Evening Session Schedule (2nd Round – From 7:00 PM CEST)
- Stephen Bunting (7) – Jonas Masalin
- Jonny Clayton (4) – Laszlo Kadar
- Madars Razma – Keane Barry
- Luke Humphries (1) – Dirk van Duijvenbode
- Michael van Gerwen (3) – James Hurrell
- Gian van Veen (2) – Nandor Major
- Nathan Aspinall (14) – Ryan Joyce
- Josh Rock (6) – Joe Cullen
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
