Niels Zonneveld stuns Michael Van Gerwen in one of his career-best performances “I know I can do it, but you have to do it”
Niels Zonneveld stuns Michael Van Gerwen in one of his career-best performances “I know I can do it, but you have to do it”
Niels Zonneveld delivered one of the standout performances of his career on Saturday night to defeat three-time champion Michael van Gerwen at the European Darts Trophy in Göttingen.
The second day of the £235,000 tournament at the Lokhalle saw the seeded players enter the competition, with Van Gerwen hoping to move closer to a record-extending 39th European Tour title.
However, fellow Dutchman Zonneveld produced a superb display to secure a convincing 6–2 victory in their all-Dutch encounter, overcoming a brilliant 107 average from Van Gerwen to record one of the most notable wins of his career.
Zonneveld made a flying start, racing into a 4–0 lead and immediately placing the pressure on the former world champion. Van Gerwen responded by taking the next two legs, but any hopes of a comeback were quickly halted. Zonneveld followed back-to-back 180s with a clinical 100 checkout, sealing the match with a 12-dart leg.
“What can I say? I’m so happy with this win,” reflected Zonneveld, who averaged 104.46 and landed two ton-plus finishes during the contest.
“I’m in a position where I know I can do it, but you have to do it!
“Michael played really well, but I felt so comfortable and so focused tonight.”
Elsewhere, Welsh star Gerwyn Price produced an impressive performance to begin his campaign in Göttingen. Price averaged 106.7 in a commanding 6–2 victory over Joe Cullen.
“I felt like I was playing well,” insisted Price, who now faces Danny Noppert in a highly anticipated last-16 clash.
“The crowd were right behind me tonight. I usually bring the best out of everyone, but I’m ready for them.
“I’m fully focused on my own game and it was another good performance. If I can build on that and get better, I think this tournament is mine!”
Noppert himself enjoyed a comfortable start to the weekend, taking advantage of a below-par display from Ricky Evans to claim a convincing 6–1 victory.
Another player to progress with the same scoreline was European Champion Gian van Veen, who dominated Poland’s number one Krzysztof Ratajski in a 6–1 win as he began his quest for a first European Tour title.
Dutch players enjoyed a strong day overall, with eight representatives progressing to Finals Day in Göttingen. Alongside Zonneveld and Van Veen, the contingent includes Wessel Nijman, Richard Veenstra, Kevin Doets, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Jermaine Wattimena.
Nijman impressed with a 6–2 victory over Mike De Decker, averaging over 100 to set up a meeting with Van Veen.
Meanwhile, Veenstra secured a notable win over German number one Martin Schindler to book his place in round three.
Doets – who had already made headlines on Day One with his 117.12 average – continued his run by defeating Cam Crabtree 6–4. Crabtree had travelled from Washington DC as a late replacement for Jonny Clayton.
Dirk van Duijvenbode also progressed after edging past two-time European Champion Rob Cross in a deciding leg, while Wattimena fired in eight 180s to defeat Germany’s Lukas Wenig in another last-leg thriller.
German hopes were kept alive by Niko Springer, who defeated world number six Stephen Bunting in a dramatic deciding leg. Springer now faces Ross Smith for a place in the quarter-finals.
Smith booked his spot in round three by defeating Dave Chisnall 6–4 for the second consecutive year at this tournament, aided by a crucial 144 checkout midway through the match.
Australia’s Damon Heta also progressed thanks to a late surge against Darius Labanauskas. Heta followed finishes of 92 and 110 with a 13-dart hold, finishing with a 101 average to claim his first win on the European Tour stage since August.
Ryan Searle delivered another strong performance, averaging over 99 in a 6–3 victory against Northern Ireland’s Daryl Gurney. Searle will now meet Veenstra in the third round.
Elsewhere, Chris Dobey produced a clinical display to defeat Luke Woodhouse 6–1, setting up a clash with Josh Rock. Rock progressed after a tough encounter with Host Nation Qualifier Paul Krohne.
Veteran Austrian Mensur Suljovic completed the last-16 line-up with a comeback victory over Karel Sedlacek. Trailing 4–2, Suljovic reeled off four consecutive legs to keep his title challenge alive.
Round Three will take place on Sunday afternoon, beginning earlier than usual at 1100 GMT, before the tournament reaches its conclusion later that evening with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final scheduled from 1700 GMT.
Niels Zonneveld stuns Michael Van Gerwen in one of his career-best performances
2026 Elten Safety Shoes European Darts Trophy
Saturday March 14
Round Two
Afternoon Session
Jermaine Wattimena 6-5 Lukas Wenig
Damon Heta 6-3 Darius Labanauskas
Danny Noppert 6-1 Ricky Evans
Ross Smith 6-4 Dave Chisnall
Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-5 Rob Cross
Wessel Nijman 6-2 Mike De Decker
Chris Dobey 6-1 Luke Woodhouse
Ryan Searle 6-3 Daryl Gurney
Evening Session
Josh Rock 6-4 Paul Krohne
Gerwyn Price 6-2 Joe Cullen
Richard Veenstra 6-4 Martin Schindler
Niels Zonneveld 6-2 Michael van Gerwen
Mensur Suljovic 6-4 Karel Sedlacek
Gian van Veen 6-1 Krzysztof Ratajski
Niko Springer 6-5 Stephen Bunting
Kevin Doets 6-4 Cam Crabtree
Sunday March 15 – note earlier start times
Afternoon Session (1200 local time, 1100 GMT)
Round Three
Ryan Searle v Richard Veenstra
Niels Zonneveld v Jermaine Wattimena
Josh Rock v Chris Dobey
Gian van Veen v Wessel Nijman
Niko Springer v Ross Smith
Kevin Doets v Damon Heta
Danny Noppert v Gerwyn Price
Mensur Suljovic v Dirk van Duijvenbode
Evening Session (1800 local time, 1700 GMT)
Quarter-Finals
Semi-Finals
Final
