Day one of the Swiss Darts Trophy (ET14) delivered a thrilling spectacle of high-stakes darts, with surprising upsets and crucial victories shaping the race for the 2026 PDC European Championship. Veteran Karel Sedlacek kept his qualification hopes alive with a sensational comeback, while local hero Stefan Bellmont made history by becoming only the third Swiss player to win on home soil. The tournament also saw former World Champions battle fiercely, setting the stage for an explosive second day as the PDC heavyweights join the fray.
Day 1 Highlights: Key Battles and Standout Performances
Sedlacek’s Crucial Victory Keeps Hopes Alive
Czech veteran Karel Sedlacek entered the Swiss Darts Trophy fighting to preserve his chances of qualifying for the prestigious 2026 PDC European Championship. He started in the best possible way, sweeping aside Sebastian Bialecki with a remarkable 100+ average. Sedlacek demonstrated incredible resilience, battling back from a 4-3 deficit to win 6-4, sealing his victory with a brilliant 86 checkout on the bullseye at a critical moment to break Bialecki’s throw. Looking ahead, Sedlacek faces Wessel Nijman, likely needing at least two more wins this weekend to keep his Dortmund dream alive.
“I was waiting for my chance and I hit the bull. Super! The chance [for Dortmund] is still alive, I think I’m still alive too, we will see.” – Karel Sedlacek
Swiss Hero Bellmont Delights Home Crowd
Stefan Bellmont etched his name into the history books, becoming only the third Swiss player ever to win on home soil at the Swiss Darts Trophy. To the immense delight of the St. Jakobshalle crowd, Bellmont defeated former UK Open Champion Andrew Gilding 6-3 in the opening match of the evening session. Making his tenth PDC European Tour appearance, the 37-year-old showcased his composure by reeling off five successive legs to stun Gilding. Bellmont now advances to Saturday’s second round, where he will face Krzysztof Ratajski.
“Playing in front of your home crowd is very special and I wanted to win so much… There were quite a few nerves in the early stages of the match, but thankfully I was able to raise my game.” – Stefan Bellmont
European Championship Race Heats Up: Notable Winners
The battle for European Championship qualification was a major theme of Day 1, with several high-profile players looking to secure their spots:
- Michael Smith: The 2022/23 World Champion, currently outside the qualification places, began with a strong 6-4 victory over Rob Owen. He now faces Jermaine Wattimena in the second round.
- Rob Cross: Another former World Champion, Cross continued his excellent Euro Tour form, averaging an impressive 105.95 in his 6-3 win against Mario Vandenbogaerde. His next challenge is Luke Woodhouse, who famously defeated Luke Littler in his last outing.
- Bradley Brooks: Maintained his perfect record in the opening round of the European Tour, making it four wins from four by defeating Niels Zonneveld 6-4 in a thrilling match where both players averaged over 100. He faces a tough test against Chris Dobey next.
- Maik Kuivenhoven: After qualifying for Basel for five consecutive years without a win, Kuivenhoven finally broke his losing streak, defeating Raymond van Barneveld 6-3. This means ‘Barney’ is still searching for his first win on the 2026 PDC European Tour.
- Tom Bissell: Claimed his second European Tour win with a narrow 6-5 victory over Joe Cullen, a result that leaves ‘The Rockstar’ precariously outside the European Championship qualification places with only one event remaining.
Thrilling Encounters and Resurgent Players
- Dave Chisnall: Prevailed in a dramatic last-leg decider against Alan Soutar. Despite Soutar averaging significantly higher and having darts to win 10 of 11 legs, including a match dart, Chisnall held his nerve for a 6-5 win.
- Cristo Reyes: Made a triumphant return to the PDC European Tour in 2026, securing his first win since May with a stylish 6-4 victory over Cameron Menzies, boasting a 98+ average. He is set to face Ryan Searle.
- Mensur Suljovic: The Austrian veteran held off a challenge from Gyorgy Jehirszki, who produced two 100+ finishes, to win 6-3.
Swiss Hopes Dashed for Others
While Stefan Bellmont celebrated, Swiss trio Roman Wellinger, Bruno Stoeckli, and Alex Fehlmann were all denied heroic victories on home soil, falling to Niko Springer, Dirk van Duijvenbode, and Damon Heta respectively.
Other comfortable winners included William O’Connor, Jeffrey de Graaf, and Kevin Doets, who rounded off the evening with a solid 6-3 win.
Looking Ahead: Day 2 Promises More Action
The 2026 Swiss Darts Trophy (ET14) continues on Saturday with a bumper double-header in Basel. The tournament truly heats up as the PDC heavyweights join the action, with stars like Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, and Jonny Clayton all competing during the evening session. Expect more drama, high averages, and crucial battles as the race for the European Championship intensifies!
Swiss Darts Trophy Day 1 Results Overview
Afternoon Session
- Bradley Brooks 6-4 Niels Zonneveld
- William O’Connor 6-1 Jani Haavisto
- Mensur Suljovic 6-3 Gyorgy Jehirszki
- Karel Sedlacek 6-4 Sebastian Bialecki
- Niko Springer 6-1 Roman Wellinger
- Tom Bissell 6-5 Joe Cullen
- Cristo Reyes 6-4 Cameron Menzies
- Rob Cross 6-3 Mario Vandenbogaerde
Evening Session
- Stefan Bellmont 6-3 Andrew Gilding
- Jeffrey de Graaf 6-4 Sietse Lap
- Dave Chisnall 6-5 Alan Soutar
- Maik Kuivenhoven 6-3 Raymond van Barneveld
- Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-3 Bruno Stoeckli
- Michael Smith 6-4 Rob Owen
- Damon Heta 6-2 Alex Fehlmann
- Kevin Doets 6-3 Nick Kenny
Day 2 Schedule: Who Plays Whom?
Afternoon Session (13:00 local time, 12:00 BST)
- Krzysztof Ratajski v Stefan Bellmont
- Wessel Nijman v Karel Sedlacek
- Luke Woodhouse v Rob Cross
- Martin Schindler v Tom Bissell
- Ryan Searle v Cristo Reyes
- Ross Smith v William O’Connor
- Chris Dobey v Bradley Brooks
- Jermaine Wattimena v Michael Smith
Evening Session (19:00 local time, 18:00 BST)
- Josh Rock v Dave Chisnall
- Stephen Bunting v Jeffrey De Graaf
- James Wade v Dirk van Duijvenbode
- Jonny Clayton v Maik Kuivenhoven
- Michael van Gerwen v Mensur Suljovic
- Luke Humphries v Kevin Doets
- Gian van Veen v Niko Springer
- Danny Noppert v Damon Heta
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
