Van Gerwen Stunned by Zonneveld at European Darts Trophy

In a shocking turn of events, Michael van Gerwen was eliminated from the European Darts Trophy by his Dutch counterpart Niels Zonneveld, who dominated the match with a 6-2 victory and a 104.5 average. Zonneveld's impressive performance included five 180s, defying Van Gerwen's 107 average. Zonneveld took an early 4-0 lead, but Van Gerwen fought back with consecutive legs. However, Zonneveld's clinical finish and successive 180s secured his win in 12 darts. "I'm thrilled with this win," Zonneveld said, reflecting on his achievement. "I know I can do it, but I have to deliver. Michael played exceptionally well, but I felt focused and comfortable throughout the match." Meanwhile, Gerwyn Price delivered an impressive display, averaging 106.7 to defeat Joe Cullen 6-2. Price will face Danny Noppert in the last 16, saying, "I felt like I was playing well, and the crowd's support was incredible. I'm fully focused on my own game and believe I can build on this performance to win the tournament." Noppert eased through his opening round tie against Ricky Evans, sealing a 6-1 victory. European champion Gian van Veen advanced with the same scoreline, defeating Poland's Krzysztof Ratajski. Eight Dutch players will compete on Finals Day in Goettingen, including Wessel Nijman, Richard Veenstra, Kevin Doets, Dirk van Duijvenbode, and Jermaine Wattimena. Nijman averaged over 100 in his 6-2 demolition of Mike De Decker, while Veenstra claimed the scalp of German number one Martin Schindler. Doets, fresh from his 117.12 average on Day One, defeated Cam Crabtree 6-4. Van Duijvenbode dumped out two-time European champion Rob Cross in a decider, and Wattimena edged past Germany's Lukas Wenig with eight 180s. Niko Springer preserved home hopes in Goettingen, accounting for Stephen Bunting in a last-leg thriller. Former European champion Ross Smith defeated Chisnall 6-4, aided by a pivotal 144 checkout. Damon Heta produced a late burst to sink Darius Labanauskas, averaging 101 to register his first win on the European Tour stage since August. Ryan Searle impressed in his 6-3 success against Northern Ireland's World Cup champion Daryl Gurney, averaging over 99. Chris Dobey put in a clinical display to dispatch Luke Woodhouse 6-1, earning a meeting with Premier League star Josh Rock. Austrian veteran Mensur Suljovic completed the last 16 line-up with a comeback win over Karel Sedlacek, reeling off four consecutive legs to book a tussle against Van Duijvenbode. The 2026 Elten Safety Shoes European Darts Trophy will continue on Sunday, March 15, with the afternoon session starting at 11am and the evening session at 5pm. The quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final will take place, with the darting roadshow moving to Dublin's 3Arena for Night Seven.