Gary Anderson sent home by Niko Springer on a day of drama at the European Darts Grand Prix

Niko Springer produced one of the standout results on Day Two of the Elten Safety Shoes European Darts Grand Prix, eliminating defending champion Gary Anderson, while Jonny Clayton delivered a stunning display in Sindelfingen.

The second round of the year’s fifth European Tour event took place at the Glaspalast, where Anderson’s hopes of completing a hat-trick of titles at the venue were ended by a composed Springer. The German talent produced a confident performance to claim a 6-3 victory, overcoming two ton-plus finishes from Anderson to continue his push for a second European Tour crown.

Springer will now face Danny Noppert in the last 16, renewing a rivalry that saw the German triumph in last year’s Hungarian Darts Trophy final. Noppert had to dig deep to progress, edging past Oskar Lukasiak in a hard-fought encounter.

“He is a fantastic player [Danny]. We played the last time in Budapest when I won the final,” said Springer.

“I know how good he is, and I know I have to play the same level as today.”

While Springer claimed one of the headline wins, the performance of the day came from Clayton, who continued his superb form with a dominant 6-1 victory over Valters Melderis. The Premier League leader averaged an outstanding 106.78, racing into control with legs of 13, 11 and 11 darts and even threatening a nine-dart finish late in the contest.

Wessel Nijman also impressed, maintaining his strong record against Ryan Searle with a convincing 6-2 win. Averaging over 104, Nijman continued his fine run of form as he targets further success on the European Tour.

“Playing Ryan Searle, I probably needed an average above 100, so I’m happy I did and happy with the way I played,” Nijman reflected.

“The goal [this year] was to get into the top 16, and the next goal was to win a Euro Tour. To do that before the summer, that’s my goal achieved for the whole year.”

Nijman will next meet Stephen Bunting, who delivered a clinical display on the doubles to defeat Mickey Mansell 6-3.

There was a surprise exit for top seed Gian van Veen, who was beaten by Joe Cullen. Cullen’s mid-match surge secured his place in the last 16 of a European Tour event for the first time in a year.

James Wade returned to form with a 6-2 win over Kim Huybrechts, averaging 104.15 to set up a clash with Nathan Aspinall. Aspinall, fresh from recent success, eased into the next round with a 6-1 win over Jeffrey de Zwaan, landing a brilliant 170 checkout along the way.

Michael van Gerwen also progressed comfortably, dispatching Michael Unterbuchner 6-2 as he targets another title at this event.

Meanwhile, Gerwyn Price opened his campaign with a 6-4 win over Dave Chisnall, producing a solid display to set up a meeting with Chris Dobey, who saw off Andrew Gilding.

Home favourite Martin Schindler joined Springer in the last 16 after edging past Damon Heta in a deciding-leg thriller, setting up a high-profile clash with Clayton.

Elsewhere, Josh Rock and Ross Smith advanced with 6-3 wins over Keane Barry and Cameron Menzies respectively. Rock impressed with 158 and 128 finishes, while Smith fired in six maximums.

Jermaine Wattimena came through an all-Dutch battle against Kevin Doets, setting up another compatriot clash with Van Gerwen.

In the remaining tie, Krzysztof Ratajski overcame Mike De Decker to book a meeting with Cullen for a place in the quarter-finals.

The tournament now heads into its निर्णing stages on Sunday, with the last 16 played in the afternoon session before the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final take place in the evening to decide the champion in Sindelfingen.

Gary Anderson sent home by Niko Springer on a day of drama at the European Darts Grand Prix

2026 Elten Safety Shoes European Darts Grand Prix

Saturday April 18

Round Two

Afternoon Session

Krzysztof Ratajski 6-4 Mike De Decker

Jermaine Wattimena 6-3 Kevin Doets

Wessel Nijman 6-2 Ryan Searle

Danny Noppert 6-5 Oskar Lukasiak

Chris Dobey 6-2 Andrew Gilding

Niko Springer 6-3 Gary Anderson

Stephen Bunting 6-3 Mickey Mansell

Josh Rock 6-3 Keane Barry

Evening Session

Ross Smith 6-3 Cameron Menzies

Gerwyn Price 6-4 Dave Chisnall

Nathan Aspinall 6-1 Jeffrey de Zwaan

James Wade 6-3 Kim Huybrechts

Joe Cullen 6-3 Gian van Veen

Michael van Gerwen 6-2 Michael Unterbuchner

Martin Schindler 6-5 Damon Heta

Jonny Clayton 6-1 Valters Melderis

Sunday April 19

Afternoon Session (1300 local time, 1200 BST)

Round Three

Joe Cullen v Krzysztof Ratajski

Danny Noppert v Niko Springer

James Wade v Nathan Aspinall

Josh Rock v Ross Smith

Michael van Gerwen v Jermaine Wattimena

Stephen Bunting v Wessel Nijman

Jonny Clayton v Martin Schindler

Gerwyn Price v Chris Dobey

Evening Session (1900 local time, 1800 BST)

Quarter-Finals

Semi-Finals

Final

Sunday’s games played in Draw Bracket order.