Woodhouse Achieves Perfection in Dortmund
The 2026 Machineseeker European Championship began in spectacular fashion as Luke Woodhouse produced a nine-dart finish during his first-round victory over Dirk van Duijvenbode. The opening night at the Westfalenhallen in Dortmund was immediately illuminated by a moment of perfection from Woodhouse, setting a high standard for the four-day event.
The nine-darter arrived in the fourth leg of the contest. Woodhouse navigated the 501 in minimum darts by scoring two maximums of 180 before checking out 141 on the conventional double 12 finish. This perfect leg was the centrepiece of a controlled performance against the Dutchman, with Woodhouse ultimately sealing a 6-3 victory to advance to the last 16. The display continues a strong run of form for Woodhouse, who also made headlines recently with a notable victory over Luke Littler at the World Grand Prix.
This 19th staging of the European Championship brings together the top 32 players from the season’s European Tour Order of Merit. Fifteen ProTour events across the continent have determined the field, all competing for a share of the £750,000 prize fund, from which the eventual winner will take home a cheque for £150,000.
Price Advances as Former Champion Wade Exits
While Woodhouse provided the signature moment, there was no shortage of drama elsewhere on the opening evening. Gerwyn Price, a former world champion, laid down a significant marker with a convincing 6-2 win against Rob Cross in a heavyweight clash. Price was in impressive form and booked his place in the second round, where he is now scheduled to play Cameron Menzies.
Menzies secured his own passage with a 6-3 victory in his opening match. The evening also saw a surprise result as former European Champion James Wade suffered an early exit at the hands of Damon Heta. Wade, a perennial contender in major tournaments, was unable to overcome the Australian, becoming the most significant seeded casualty of the night.
The drama was not confined to shock results. Stephen Bunting produced a remarkable escape in his first-round tie, surviving a match dart from his opponent before clinching victory with a spectacular 160 checkout. Elsewhere, the title defence of Gian van Veen began on a successful note, as the reigning champion navigated his opening hurdle to keep his hopes of retaining the trophy alive.
Humphries Withdraws Through Illness
The tournament was reshaped before a dart was thrown in the evening session by the news that world number two Luke Humphries had been forced to withdraw. Citing a case of gastroenteritis, the withdrawal of one of the tournament favourites had an immediate impact on the draw. Humphries had been scheduled to face Ryan Searle in his opening match.
Following the announcement, Searle was handed a new opponent, with the Belgian Kim Huybrechts being drafted into the field to face him on Thursday evening. The absence of Humphries, who was seeded eighth based on his European Tour earnings, opens up his quarter of the draw and will have been noted by those following the best odds from bookmakers for the title.
The first round concludes on Friday evening, with matches including the meeting between seventh seed Luke Littler and William O’Connor.
