Niko Springer Wins Maiden European Tour Title
Niko Springer wins Hungarian Darts Trophy: Unseeded qualifier Springer defeats Danny Noppert 8-7 in final, securing first PDC title and World Grand Prix spot.
“I'm over the moon, to be honest, it was a tough match. I took my chances, I'm very happy, I can't believe it...”
Niko Springer made history by winning the Hungarian Darts Trophy 2025, claiming his maiden European title with an thrilling 8-7 victory over Danny Noppert. The 25-year-old German champion was overjoyed, saying, “I'm over the moon, to be honest, it was a tough match. I took my chances, I'm very happy, I can't believe it.” This win marks a significant milestone in Springer's career, who had entered the tournament as an unseeded qualifier and went on to defeat six top 20 players, including world number one Luke Humphries and former world champion Rob Cross.
Springer's journey to the title was nothing short of remarkable. He defeated Gian van Veen 6-3 in the first round, despite Van Veen's impressive 105 average. He then thrashed Damon Heta 6-1 in the second round and continued his dominance by beating Rob Cross 6-3 in the third round. In the quarterfinals, Springer outplayed Luke Humphries, winning 6-4 with consecutive 11-dart legs. He survived a match dart in the semis against Josh Rock, hitting a massive 170 checkout to seal a 7-6 win.
Match Statistics:
- Average: Niko Springer (89.28) vs Danny Noppert (93.59)
- Highest Checkout: Niko Springer (120) vs Danny Noppert (61)
- 180s: Danny Noppert (7) vs Niko Springer (3)
The win secures Springer's place at the World Grand Prix and boosts his ranking, potentially setting him up for future televised majors. Springer expressed his delight, stating, “My goal was to qualify for the World Championships, and I did that some months ago, so now I can play with some freedom. I have nothing to lose, and I'm very happy that I won.”
Niko “The Meenzer Bub” Springer made a remarkable run at the Dutch Darts Championship, reaching his first PDC European Tour final. Unfortunately, he fell short against Jonny Clayton, losing 8-6 in the final. Despite the loss, Springer's performance showcased his potential, with notable wins over strong opponents.
Springer's Road to the Final:
- Opening Win: Springer started strong, defeating Gian van Veen
- Second Round: He then triumphed over world number 11 Damon Heta 6-1
- Third Round: Rob Cross was no match, losing 6-3 to Springer wasn't correct - actual score was 6-3 in favor of Springer wasn't mentioned but Springer beat Ricardo Pietreczko 6-2 in quarterfinal
- Quarterfinals: Springer beat Ricardo Pietreczko 6-2
- Semifinals: He then beat Wessel Nijman 7-3 to reach the final
In the final, Springer sprinted out of the blocks with a 93 checkout to hold throw and breaked Clayton to lead 2-0 with a double six finish after a 180 from Springer left Clayton 81 points remaining but he missed checkout. However, Clayton mounted a comeback, working from a 5-2 deficit to take the win.
The semi-final match between Niko Springer and Josh Rock was an intense showdown that went all the way to the 13th leg, showcasing the competitive spirit of both players. In contrast, the final against Danny Noppert didn't quite live up to expectations, with both players struggling with accuracy and consistency throughout the match. At one point, Noppert managed to break Springer's throw at 2-2, taking advantage of a crucial moment in the game.
R1 - Gian van Veen ✅
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) September 21, 2025
R2 - Damon Heta ✅
R3 - Rob Cross ✅
QF - Luke Humphries ✅
SF - Josh Rock ✅
F - Danny Noppert 🏆
A remarkable weekend for Niko Springer sees him claim his first European Tour title! 🇩🇪👏 pic.twitter.com/jH0cPf2JFE
Despite the lackluster performance from both players, Springer ultimately emerged victorious, winning 8-7 in a closely contested match. His ability to capitalize on key moments and stay focused under pressure proved decisive. After the match, Springer expressed his elation, saying, “I'm over the moon, to be honest, it was a tough match. I took my chances, I'm very happy, I can't believe it.” This win marks a significant milestone in Springer's career, cementing his place in the darts world.
Niko Springer staged an impressive comeback against Danny Noppert in the final. The Dutchman initially held a 5-4 lead, but Springer broke back and later secured another break, taking the match to a thrilling 7-7 tie. In the decisive final leg, Springer outmaneuvered Noppert, sealing the win without much resistance from his opponent.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Springer, as he becomes the fourth German player to claim a European Tour title, following in the footsteps of Max Hopp, Ricardo Pietreczko, and Martin Schindler. The win not only brings Springer his first PDC title but also secures his place at the World Grand Prix and boosts his ranking.
SPRINGER IS A EURO TOUR CHAMPION! 🏆
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) September 21, 2025
Niko Springer beats Danny Noppert to win the Hungarian Darts Trophy!
A fairytale weekend for the young German has the perfect ending!
📺 https://t.co/YyBPPwpkzG #ET12 pic.twitter.com/lNM81w0K5e
Gerwyn Price Withdraws Due to Health Issues
Gerwyn Price was forced to cancel his participation in the final session of the tournament due to ongoing health problems. Despite managing to defeat Raymond van Barneveld in the afternoon, Price's condition worsened, leading him to withdraw from his scheduled quarter-final match against Luke Littler. As a result, Littler received a bye to the next round.
Littler's next match against Danny Noppert didn't go as planned, with the young prodigy struggling to find his form. Noppert took advantage, winning the match 7-4 and advancing to the next stage of the tournament.
No comments:
Leave comment here