Van Gerwen Stunned on Day Two in Dortmund
Michael van Gerwen has been knocked out of the European Championship at the first hurdle, suffering a devastating early exit on the second night of action at the Westfalenhallen. The three-time world champion was defeated by his compatriot and tournament debutant, Kevin Doets, in a result that sends a significant tremor through the draw.
The loss marks a notable moment in the Dutch darting hierarchy. Van Gerwen has built a reputation for dispatching up-and-coming players from the Netherlands on the big stage, having previously seen off Gian van Veen in two European Tour finals and Wessel Nijman in a deciding leg at last year’s championship. However, his aura of domestic invincibility appears to be diminishing. The result was perhaps foreshadowed by fellow professional Vincent van der Voort, who had warned of a “new reality” for Van Gerwen and suggested that Doets would enter their clash as the favourite.
Littler Begins Quest for Elusive Title
While one of the sport’s modern greats departed, reigning world champion Luke Littler began his campaign in ruthless style. He is on a mission to capture the one premier title that has so far eluded him in his remarkable career. Littler dispatched Ireland’s William O’Connor, who was making his first appearance at the event since 2020, with a dominant 6-3 victory underpinned by a superb average of 105.
The teenager from Warrington has a surprisingly modest record at this tournament, having previously won only a single match. He seems determined to correct that anomaly and end his European Championship hoodoo this year. Having already won two European Tour titles during the 2026 season to qualify, Littler’s form suggests he has a strong chance of completing his collection of major honours. His commanding opening performance will only shorten his odds, with many a darts betting guide already marking him as the man to beat.
Woodhouse Hits Nine-Darter on Day of Drama
The evening session in Dortmund was not short on incident elsewhere. Luke Woodhouse provided the standout moment of magic with a perfect nine-dart leg, a feat that continues to be a high point of any televised tournament. It was a night for survivors, too. Stephen Bunting managed to escape with a victory after what he described as a fraught route just to qualify for the event, admitting that a week ago he was not even in the field.
Former champion Ross Smith also survived a scare to advance to the second round. Afterwards, he acknowledged the exceptional standard at the top of the sport, namechecking Littler, Luke Humphries and Phil Taylor as players who operate on another level. Another compelling story came from Kim Huybrechts, who stepped in as an emergency replacement for the withdrawn Luke Humphries. The Belgian produced a spectacular performance to win his match, declaring it the start of “Kim Huybrechts 2.0”.
The action was rounded out by Damon Heta, who secured a hard-fought win over the veteran James Wade. The Australian expressed relief at getting over the line, lamenting his own previously poor form at the European Championship. The second round will get under way on Saturday, with matches including Gerwyn Price taking on Cameron Menzies.
