Nathan Aspinall and Gian Van Veen Star as Flanders Darts Trophy Reaches Finals Day
Nathan Aspinall and Gian Van Veen Star as Flanders Darts Trophy Reaches Finals Day
Nathan Aspinall and Gian van Veen produced standout displays to reach Finals Day at the 2026 Blåkläder Flanders Darts Trophy on Saturday, as the European Tour event reached its final 16 in Antwerp.
Day Two of the 13th European Tour event of 2026 saw the seeded players enter the action at the Antwerp Expo, with Aspinall producing arguably the performance of the day in a dominant 6-1 victory over Niko Springer.
The German Darts Grand Prix champion was in devastating form, averaging 106 in his demolition of Springer, hitting four maximums and missing just one dart at double throughout an outstanding display.
“It was a great performance,” said Aspinall, who will face Stephen Bunting in a blockbuster last-16 clash on Sunday.
“I saw a stat that said I’ve been playing the fourth best for a couple of months, so tonight I tried to not put pressure on myself and enjoy it and I put in a great performance.
“I finished really well, scored really well, gave the crowd something to cheer about and happy days – onto tomorrow!”
Bunting secured his place in the last 16 with a dramatic deciding-leg victory over Brendan Dolan, surviving despite a 101 average from the Northern Irishman to strengthen his European Championship qualification hopes.
VAN VEEN CONTINUES IMPRESSIVE RUN
Van Veen also produced a statement performance, defeating Gabriel Clemens 6-3 to reach his fourth consecutive European Tour Finals Day.
The Dutch number one averaged more than 101 and converted 60% of his attempts at double, producing combination finishes of 143, 82 and 64 during an impressive display.
Despite Clemens averaging 98.81, Van Veen remained composed to secure another deep run on the European Tour.
“It was a close game, but this one gives me so much confidence,” said Van Veen.
“I know I can produce the same numbers as I have done the last year. I hope to do that this year and I feel it’s coming.
“I’ve known Kevin from probably when I was 10 or 11 years old. It’s going to be a great game, Kevin is a great player and in very good form this year.”
Van Veen will face fellow Dutchman Kevin Doets in the last 16 after Doets survived a major scare against Krzysztof Ratajski.
The Dutchman edged out the Polish number one 6-5, surviving a match dart before finally sealing his place in the final day.
PRICE AND SMITH SET FOR SHOWDOWN
Gerwyn Price also advanced with an impressive display, averaging more than 103 in a 6-3 victory over Bradley Brooks.
The Welshman will now meet Ross Smith in a mouth-watering last-16 encounter.
Smith continued his strong run in Antwerp with a 6-3 victory over Swedish number one Jeffrey de Graaf, averaging more than 100 to book his place in the final day.
Damon Heta produced another dramatic victory, edging out an off-colour Michael van Gerwen 6-5 in a contest where all 11 legs went with throw.
The Australian number one will now face Luke Woodhouse, who defeated William O’Connor 6-3 with a clinical display.
CROSS ENDS SCHINDLER’S WORLD GRAND PRIX HOPES
Rob Cross ended Martin Schindler’s hopes of qualifying for the World Grand Prix with a 6-4 victory over the German number one.
The former World Champion will now face James Wade, who defeated Canadian veteran Jim Long 6-2.
Jermaine Wattimena also ended Karel Sedlacek’s hopes of making his World Grand Prix debut, defeating the Czech number one 6-3.
Wattimena will face Ryan Joyce in the last 16 after the Englishman produced another clinical performance to stun Josh Rock.
Ryan Searle ended the home hopes by reeling off six consecutive legs to defeat Belgian qualifier Andy Baetens 6-2.
Searle will now meet Chris Dobey, who progressed comfortably after taking advantage of a profligate Niels Zonneveld.
Wessel Nijman and Danny Noppert will contest an all-Dutch last-16 clash after both players progressed.
Nijman defeated Sebastian Bialecki, while Noppert overcame Chris Landman to book his place in Sunday’s action.
The 2026 Blåkläder Flanders Darts Trophy now reaches its climax at the Antwerp Expo on Sunday, with the remaining 16 players battling through the last 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals before the showpiece final.
The winner will claim the £35,000 top prize as the European Tour season reaches another crucial stage.
Nathan Aspinall and Gian Van Veen Star as Flanders Darts Trophy Reaches Finals Day
Saturday September 12
Round Two
Afternoon Session
Kevin Doets 6-5 Krzysztof Ratajski
Jermaine Wattimena 6-3 Karel Sedlacek
Rob Cross 6-4 Martin Schindler
Danny Noppert 6-2 Chris Landman
Ryan Searle 6-2 Andy Baetens
Chris Dobey 6-1 Niels Zonneveld
Luke Woodhouse 6-3 William O’Connor
Ross Smith 6-2 Jeffrey de Graaf
Evening Session
Ryan Joyce 6-3 Josh Rock
Gerwyn Price 6-3 Bradley Brooks
James Wade 6-2 Jim Long
Gian van Veen 6-3 Gabriel Clemens
Damon Heta 6-5 Michael van Gerwen
Nathan Aspinall 6-1 Niko Springer
Stephen Bunting 6-5 Brendan Dolan
Wessel Nijman 6-4 Sebastian Bialecki
Sunday September 13
Afternoon Session (1300 local time, 1200 BST)
Round Three
Gian van Veen v Kevin Doets
Ryan Searle v Chris Dobey
Ryan Joyce v Jermaine Wattimena
Gerwyn Price v Ross Smith
James Wade v Rob Cross
Danny Noppert v Wessel Nijman
Damon Heta v Luke Woodhouse
Stephen Bunting v Nathan Aspinall
Evening Session (1900 local time, 1800 BST)
Quarter-Finals
Semi-Finals
Final
