Key Highlights
- Michael van Gerwen survived a tough match against Wessel Nijman in the opening round of the European Championship.
- Gian van Veen secured his place in round two with a victory over Damon Heta.
- Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton were eliminated by Daryl Gurney and Ryan Searle, respectively.
- Michael van Gerwen advances to face Chris Dobey next after overcoming Wessel Nijman.
The Tense Opening Round of the European Championship
In a closely watched opening round match at the 2025 European Championship in Dortmund, defending champion Michael van Gerwen narrowly edged out Dutch rival Wessel Nijman. The four-time champion managed to win after Nijman missed seven match darts, allowing Van Gerwen to secure his place in round two.
The match was a tight affair until the last leg, where Van Gerwen demonstrated his experience and skill under pressure. “It was a really good match until the last leg,” he said. “Wessel was playing well, but at the end he showed some nerves. ‘Van Gogh’ added, ‘It was tough, but I got the win.'”
Up-and-Coming Stars and Surprises
Young talent Gian van Veen showcased his potential by defeating Damon Heta with a 98.7 average, making it to round two for the first time at this level.
Home hero Martin Schindler staged an impressive comeback against Dave Chisnall in a thrilling last-leg finish, securing his victory and first European Championship win at Westfalenhalle after four attempts. “I am really happy to finally get a win on this stage,” he said, highlighting the significance of his achievement.
Consistent Performances and Upsets
Former World Champion Gerwyn Price suffered an unexpected defeat against Daryl Gurney in their match. Gurney capitalized on Price’s missed doubles to progress with a 6-3 win. Similarly, Jonny Clayton was knocked out by Ryan Searle after the latter capitalized on 11 missed darts at doubles.
The matches underscored the competitive nature of the tournament and provided fans with memorable moments as up-and-comers challenged established players for their spots in the later rounds.
Looking Ahead: Key Matches
As the competition progresses, Michael van Gerwen will face Chris Dobey next. Meanwhile, other key matchups include Ryan Searle against Gian van Veen and Daryl Gurney versus Ross Smith. The tournament promises to deliver more exciting matches as players battle for their places in the final on Sunday.
With top seeds like Nathan Aspinall and Luke Humphries set to make their title bids, fans can look forward to a thrilling week of darts action in Dortmund.
Note: The European Championship will continue with its main event broadcasted live on Sky Sports from October 24 onwards. Keep an eye out for further updates as the tournament unfolds.
