Tricole makes history in Riesa on an action-packed opening day at the 2025 International Darts Open

Martin Schindler began his defence of the Elten Safety Shoes International Darts Open with a stunning performance in Riesa, on a day when Thibault Tricole made French darting history.

Day one of the year’s third European Tour event began with a bang at the WT Energiesysteme Arena, with reigning champion Schindler headlining on home turf.

The German number one began his campaign with a 6-2 victory over Thomas Lovely, average 102.68 and scoring five maximums to cap off a superb overall performance.

Schindler is now guaranteed a spot in the Finals on Sunday after his original second-round opponent, Rob Cross, withdrew earlier in the afternoon.

Tricole, meanwhile, became the first French player to win on the European Tour, defeating 2022/23 World Champion Michael Smith 6-3 to reach the milestone.

“I have been waiting for this win for a long time,” claimed Tricole, who will face Dimitri Van den Bergh for a place in the last 16 on Saturday.

“To get this victory against Michael Smith – a legend of darts – this is perfect for me, and I will really enjoy this moment.”

The opening round on Friday consisted of 16 matches spread across two periods, with Dutch star Raymond van Barneveld bringing back memories with a classic exhibition in Riesa.

The five-time World Champion averaged 103.43 to defeat Host Nation Qualifier Patrick Klingelhoefer 6-1, setting up a second-round match against fifth seed Jonny Clayton.

“Jonny is an amazing player and a great guy as well,” reflected Van Barneveld.

“I’m really happy with that performance. I am feeling confident with my set-up, and I’m looking forward to the game tomorrow night.”

Van Barneveld’s teenage compatriots Gian van Veen and Wessel Nijman advanced by the same 6-1 score, defeating Paul Goyer and Radek Szaganski, respectively.

Dirk van Duijvenbode joined his fellow countrymen in round two, slamming six 180s to defeat home favourite Niko Springer in a high-quality match with both players averaging more than 101.

However, Jermaine Wattimena was eliminated early by Czech great Karel Sedlacek, who won four straight legs from 3-2 down to claim his first European Tour triumph of the season.

Mario Vandenbogaerde and Luke Woodhouse both had comeback victories over Callan Rydz and Matt Campbell, with each reeling off five successive legs to secure their advances.

Ryan Searle was another high-profile casualty on Day One, as Lithuania’s Darius Labanauskas averaged 102 on his way to a thrilling 6-3 triumph over the world number 19.

Mike De Decker overcame Daniel Klose by the same scoreline in Friday’s penultimate match, and the Belgian now faces four-time winner Gerwyn Price in a thrilling second round.

Joe Cullen, who also won the International Darts Open in 2020, defeated Rob Owen 6-1 to return to winning ways on the big stage, and he now faces Nathan Aspinall, who won in Gottingen less than a fortnight ago.

Ricardo Pietreczko triumphed over Krzysztof Ratajski in a battle of past European Tour winners, while Cameron Menzies landed

Elsewhere, Andrew Gilding averaged over 99 in his 6-3 victory over William O’Connor, while European Champion Ritchie Edhouse won an intriguing match against Czech newcomer Petr Krivka.

Tricole makes history in Riesa on an action-packed opening day at the 2025 International Darts Open

2025 International Darts Open

Friday April 4

First Round

Afternoon Session

Wessel Nijman 6-1 Radek Szaganski

Mario Vandenbogaerde 6-4 Callan Rydz

Ritchie Edhouse 6-4 Petr Krivka

Cameron Menzies 6-0 Kevin Knopf

Andrew Gilding 6-3 William O’Connor

Luke Woodhouse 6-3 Matt Campbell

Gian van Veen 6-1 Paul Goyer

Darius Labanauskas 6-3 Ryan Searle

Evening Session

Karel Sedlacek 6-4 Jermaine Wattimena

Ricardo Pietreczko 6-2 Krzysztof Ratajski

Raymond van Barneveld 6-1 Patrick Klingelhoefer

Thibault Tricole 6-3 Michael Smith

Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-3 Niko Springer

Martin Schindler 6-2 Thomas Lovely

Mike De Decker 6-3 Daniel Klose

Joe Cullen 6-1 Rob Owen

Saturday April 5

Second Round

Afternoon Session (1300 local time, 1200 BST)

James Wade v Cameron Menzies

Danny Noppert v Karel Sedlacek

Ross Smith v Ricardo Pietreczko

Damon Heta v Mario Vandenbogaerde

Chris Dobey v Wessel Nijman

Stephen Bunting v Darius Labanauskas

Dave Chisnall v Luke Woodhouse

Evening Session (1900 local time, 1800 BST)

Dimitri Van den Bergh v Thibault Tricole

Jonny Clayton v Raymond van Barneveld

Gerwyn Price v Mike De Decker

Luke Humphries v Dirk van Duijvenbode

Richard Veenstra v Andrew Gilding

Peter Wright v Ritchie Edhouse

Nathan Aspinall v Joe Cullen

Josh Rock v Gian van Veen

Martin Schindler Bye (Rob Cross withdrew after the event began)