Niko Springer’s bid for a European Tour double ended in dramatic fashion on Friday, as Richard Veenstra edged the German in a deciding leg to headline a thrilling opening day at the Swiss Darts Trophy in Basel. Fresh from his triumph at the Hungarian Darts Trophy, Springer showed early promise with an 11-darter, but found himself trailing 4-1 before mounting a spirited fightback.
Checkouts of 120, 94 and 86 hauled Springer level, and the German prospect even edged ahead in leg nine. However, Veenstra held his nerve under pressure, producing a superb 156 checkout to stay alive before sealing the contest with a 76 finish to book a round two meeting with Rob Cross.
Elsewhere, Premier League star Nathan Aspinall made light work of his opener, whitewashing Andreas Toft Jorgensen to set up a clash with Jonny Clayton. Krzysztof Ratajski boosted his World Grand Prix hopes with a 6-0 rout of Owen Bates, while Raymond van Barneveld stayed in contention thanks to a 120 checkout against Swiss qualifier Ansh Sood.
William O’Connor delivered one of the standout displays of the day, averaging over 102 in a dominant 6-1 win over Daryl Gurney, keeping his qualification ambitions alive. Reigning European Champion Ritchie Edhouse also progressed, edging Wessel Nijman in a deciding leg before benefiting from a second-round bye following Ross Smith’s withdrawal for family reasons.
The opening session also saw impressive victories from Mensur Suljovic, Jermaine Wattimena and Callan Rydz, while Luke Woodhouse staged a dramatic comeback to deny Lukas Wenig. With the 16 seeds set to enter the fray on Saturday and Finals Day looming on Sunday, the Swiss Darts Trophy is already delivering high drama and high-quality darts.
Source: PDC.TV
