Nathan Aspinall powers into the last 16 as Jan Schmidt’s dream run continues at the European Darts Open
Nathan Aspinall powers into the last 16 as Jan Schmidt’s dream run continues at the European Darts Open
Nathan Aspinall launched the defence of his European Darts Open title in emphatic fashion on Saturday, producing a superb display to cruise into the final day in Leverkusen, while home favourite Jan Schmidt continued his remarkable run at the Ostermann-Arena.
The defending champion looked in outstanding touch as he dismantled Mickey Mansell 6-1, averaging more than 107 to underline his credentials for another deep run in Germany.
Aspinall, who lifted the title in Leverkusen 12 months ago and added another European Tour crown in Munich earlier this season, barely put a foot wrong throughout the contest.
The Stockport star opened with a confident 14-dart hold before Mansell claimed the second leg to briefly level matters.
That proved to be the Northern Irishman’s only success of the match.
Aspinall immediately restored his advantage with a clinical 12-darter before reeling off the remaining four legs in rapid fashion. The Englishman needed just five visits in each of those closing legs, sealing victory with another impressive 12-dart finish to wrap up one of the performances of the day.
Following his convincing victory, Aspinall laughed off suggestions that he had disappeared from the scene after a spell away from the European Tour.
“People keep thinking I’ve retired!” Aspinall joked, as the former World Matchplay champion made his return to the European Tour stage.
“Mickey played well, but I felt so relaxed tonight. I think the thought of watching England later made me relax.
“It’s a great win and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.
“I knew I had a tough game in Mickey, he plays his way but it didn’t affect me, I’m just very happy with the win.”
Aspinall now faces a difficult last-16 clash against Ross Smith after the former European Champion rounded off Saturday’s action with a dominant 6-1 victory over Niels Zonneveld.
Elsewhere, Jan Schmidt ensured his dream debut weekend on the European Tour would continue after another dramatic victory.
The German Host Nation Qualifier followed up Friday’s remarkable comeback success by edging past former World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker in a tense deciding-leg thriller.
Schmidt once again held his nerve under pressure to delight the home supporters and secure his place in Sunday’s third round.
The 21-year-old insists he has no fear of facing the sport’s biggest names.
“I will take what I get, for me it’s not important who my opponent is,” Schmidt reiterated after his round two victory.
“I try to play my game, I play against the best players in the world and we’ll see tomorrow!”
His reward is another huge challenge against James Wade after the experienced Englishman overcame Maik Kuivenhoven 6-4 to progress.
Saturday also marked the entrance of the tournament’s 16 seeded players, with top seed Gian van Veen safely negotiating a difficult opening assignment.
The Dutch number one averaged just over 101 to defeat German youngster Niko Springer 6-3 in a high-quality contest.
Springer himself averaged over 102 but could not live with Van Veen’s relentless scoring, as the European Champion kept alive his hopes of capturing a maiden European Tour title.
Van Veen will now meet Polish number one Krzysztof Ratajski, who produced a solid display to eliminate Max Hopp by the same 6-3 scoreline.
There was more success for Poland as Sebastian Bialecki defeated Danny Noppert 6-3 to continue his impressive campaign.
Luke Woodhouse and Jermaine Wattimena both enjoyed straightforward afternoons, recording comprehensive whitewash victories to move into the last 16.
Woodhouse proved too strong for Dragutin Horvat and will now face Jonny Clayton after the Welshman swept aside Karel Sedlacek 6-1.
Wattimena, meanwhile, comfortably defeated Kim Huybrechts to set up a meeting with Ryan Joyce.
Joyce produced an excellent finishing display to knock out Stephen Bunting 6-4 in the opening match of the evening session, condemning the Masters champion to his fourth second-round exit on the European Tour this season.
ProTour rankings leader Wessel Nijman also booked his place in Sunday’s action with the minimum of fuss.
The in-form Dutchman, the only player to have won two European Tour titles during 2026, whitewashed former World Youth Champion Bradley Brooks 6-0 in another dominant display.
Nijman will now take on compatriot Dirk van Duijvenbode, who impressed in a 6-2 victory over former Masters champion Chris Dobey.
Five-time European Darts Open winner Michael van Gerwen also eased safely through to Finals Day.
The Dutch legend defeated Joe Cullen 6-2, producing a polished performance that included superb finishes of 142 and 130 before sealing victory with an excellent 11-dart leg.
Van Gerwen’s reward is a meeting with Australian number one Damon Heta, who began Saturday’s action by defeating Rob Owen 6-4 as he looks to reach his first European Tour final since finishing runner-up at this event last year.
Kevin Doets completed the last-16 line-up after taking full advantage of an unusually subdued display from German number one Martin Schindler.
The Dutchman progressed to set up an intriguing third-round clash against Sebastian Bialecki, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
The European Darts Open reaches its conclusion on Sunday, with the remaining 16 players returning to the Ostermann-Arena from 1200 BST before the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final take place in an action-packed evening session to decide the tenth European Tour champion of the 2026 season.
Nathan Aspinall powers into the last 16 as Jan Schmidt’s dream run continues at the European Darts Open
2026 Elten Safety Shoes European Darts Open
Saturday July 11
Round Two
Afternoon Session
Damon Heta 6-4 Rob Owen
Jan Schmidt 6-5 Mike De Decker
Luke Woodhouse 6-0 Dragutin Horvat
Sebastian Bialecki 6-3 Danny Noppert
Jermaine Wattimena 6-0 Kim Huybrechts
Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-2 Chris Dobey
Wessel Nijman 6-0 Bradley Brooks
Krzysztof Ratajski 6-3 Max Hopp
Evening Session
Ryan Joyce 6-4 Stephen Bunting
James Wade 6-4 Maik Kuivenhoven
Jonny Clayton 6-1 Karel Sedlacek
Michael van Gerwen 6-2 Joe Cullen
Gian van Veen 6-3 Niko Springer
Kevin Doets 6-3 Martin Schindler
Nathan Aspinall 6-1 Mickey Mansell
Ross Smith 6-1 Niels Zonneveld
Sunday July 12
Afternoon Session (1300 local time, 1200 BST)
Ryan Joyce v Jermaine Wattimena
Jonny Clayton v Luke Woodhouse
Dirk van Duijvenbode v Wessel Nijman
Michael van Gerwen v Damon Heta
Sebastian Bialecki v Kevin Doets
James Wade v Jan Schmidt
Nathan Aspinall v Ross Smith
Gian van Veen v Krzysztof Ratajski
Evening Session (1900 local time, 1800 BST)
Quarter-Finals
Semi-Finals
Final
