Anderson back with a bang as the Flying Scotsman shines in Sindelfingen

During an exciting day of second round action in Sindelfingen, Gary Anderson started his defence of the Elten Safety Shoes European Darts Grand Prix title in spectacular fashion with a dramatic victory over Gian van Veen.

After winning the Glaspalast in 2024, Anderson made a comeback on the Winamax European Tour, defeating World Youth Champion Van Veen in a decisive leg with an average of 110.16, helped by nine 180s.

Anderson swept to victory with legs of 14, 11, and 14 darts after the Dutch ace started their second round match with a 142 finish and pulled out 120 and 88 to go 5-3 up.

Anderson will now face another former World Champion, Rob Cross, in the third round on Sunday afternoon, after defeating Mike De Decker 6-3 on 14 missed doubles.

World number one Luke Humphries edged over Connor Scutt by one leg as he began his quest for his first European Tour victory of the season.

He now faces six-time European Tour event champion Michael Smith in the last 16, as the St Helens star rallied from 3-0 and 5-2 down to defeat Daniel Klose.

Martin Schindler will carry Sindelfingen’s chances on Sunday after winning the Austrian Darts Open with a 6-4 comeback victory over Josh Rock.

Rock led 3-1 and 4-2, but Schindler’s spectacular ten-darter tied the score during a run of four straight legs, propelling him into a third round match with Dirk van Duijvenbode.

Van Duijvenbode had earlier won his first big-stage match against Michael van Gerwen, edging ahead of the three-time World Champion with three 14-darters before sealing a 6-3 victory with a 101 average.

James Wade defeated Joe Cullen 6-4 by winning six doubles in ten attempts, and he will now face Niels Zonneveld, who defeated Nathan Aspinall 6-2.

Chris Dobey was another BetMGM Premier League star to be eliminated in round two, losing 6-4 to Luke Woodhouse, who will now face Ross Smith.

Smith, who finished second in the Austrian Darts Open last week, hit six doubles in nine tries to upset Dave Chisnall from three points behind.

Danny Noppert rallied from 2-0 and 5-3 down to defeat compatriot Wessel Nijman 6-5, and he now faces Andrew Gilding in a rematch of previous UK Open winners, after the Englishman overcame checkouts of 160 and 135 from Jonny Clayton to win in a deciding leg.

Raymond van Barneveld advanced to the final day for the second time in 2025, defeating Gerwyn Price in a decider.

Van Barneveld will face Martin Lukeman in the third round on Sunday after defeating Damon Heta 6-2 in five straight sets.

Peter Wright began his quest for a ninth European Tour title with a commanding 6-4 victory against Leon Weber, average 105 and hitting half of his 12 doubles.

Wright now faces an all-Scottish third round match against Cameron Menzies, who overcame Stephen Bunting’s ton-plus average to defeat the International Darts Open winner 6-2 by striking six doubles in seven attempts.

On Sunday, the event concludes with the third round in the afternoon session, followed by the crucial quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final in the evening.

Anderson back with a bang as the Flying Scotsman shines in Sindelfingen

Saturday May 3

Second Round

Afternoon Session

Danny Noppert 6-5 Wessel Nijman

Martin Lukeman 6-2 Damon Heta

Michael Smith 6-5 Daniel Klose

Gary Anderson 6-5 Gian van Veen

Luke Woodhouse 6-4 Chris Dobey

Niels Zonneveld 6-2 Nathan Aspinall

Rob Cross 6-3 Mike De Decker

Ross Smith 6-3 Dave Chisnall

 

Evening Session

James Wade 6-4 Joe Cullen

Andrew Gilding 6-5 Jonny Clayton

Raymond van Barneveld 6-5 Gerwyn Price

Peter Wright 6-4 Leon Weber

Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-3 Michael van Gerwen

Luke Humphries 6-1 Connor Scutt

Martin Schindler 6-4 Josh Rock

Cameron Menzies 6-2 Stephen Bunting