Springer Sends Bunting Packing on Day 2 at Baltic Sea Darts Open

Day two at the Baltic Sea Darts Open in Kiel certainly delivered. With the top 16 seeds entering the action, we saw shocks, standout performances, and some home joy for the German crowd across two brilliant sessions.

Niko Springer celebrating in front of his home crowd on the European Tour Stage (Photo by: Felix Hofer)

Afternoon Session

Sixteenth seed Ryan Searle impressed in the opening game of the day, averaging 100.48 in a comprehensive 6-3 victory over Cameron Menzies. Wessel Nijman produced the first surprise, dumping out recent Pro Tour winner Damon Heta. The Dutchman was level at 3-3 but found an extra gear when it mattered to close out a 6-3 win.

Next up, Danny Noppert defeated reigning World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker 6-3. Noppert hit an impressive seven maximums and heavily outscored the Belgian, a scoreline that flattered De Decker. Gary Anderson then delivered a strong performance, averaging 98.77 with 66% on doubles to dispatch Krzysztof Ratajski 6-2.

Daryl Gurney continued his recent upturn in form by overcoming a below-par Dave Chisnall 6-3. Chisnall averaged just 89.01, his struggles persisting this year. Meanwhile, Ross Smith whitewashed an out-of-sorts Kim Huybrechts 6-0 to safely progress into Sunday’s action.

Jonny Clayton edged past the in-form Gian van Veen in a high-quality contest, breaking in 11 darts to seal a 6-4 victory. Rounding off the afternoon session was the experienced James Wade, who routed Luke Woodhouse 6-1. Wade averaged just over 96 in a solid display, comfortably dispatching ‘Woody’, who has recently admitted to struggling with the release of his throw.

Evening Session

Gerwyn Price kicked off the evening session with a statement of intent, brushing aside William O’Connor 6-1 while averaging an impressive 101.73. Andy Baetens continued his run in his first Euro Tour event of the year by comfortably defeating Rob Cross 6-2, delivering a clinical display.

The Kiel crowd soon erupted as one of their home favourites, Niko Springer, dumped out World No.4 Stephen Bunting 6-2, averaging 100.72 in the process. Bunting wilted near the end of the contest. World No.1 Luke Humphries was tested in his opener as Mickey Mansell forced a decider but failed to hold in 18 darts, allowing Humphries to steal a 6-5 victory.

Euro Tour debutant Justin Hood, who enjoyed victory last night, came back down to earth despite a solid 95 average, as the in-form Josh Rock hammered him 6-1, averaging 100.01 himself.

German No.1 Martin Schindler treated the home crowd to a fine display, winning 6-3 and keeping Jermaine Wattimena at arm’s length. However, German No.2 Ricardo Pietreczko struggled to find rhythm as Nathan Aspinall shifted through the gears to claim a 6-4 victory and progress into Sunday’s play.

The final game of the evening saw ‘Hollywood’ Chris Dobey comfortably progress past Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-3. The Dutchman continues to struggle to back up big performances, averaging just 85.32, 20 points lower than yesterday, while Dobey was far too strong, averaging a solid 97.76 and hitting five maximums en route to victory.

Looking Ahead to Cup Collection Day!

Moving into Sunday, the Last 16 ties promise plenty of drama before the tournament reaches its climax with the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final in the evening. Twelve of the top 16 seeds remain in contention, while Germany’s hopes rest on two home favourites, Martin Schindler and Niko Springer, who will face off in a mouth-watering all-German showdown to headline the afternoon session.

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