The Glaspalast in Sindelfingen has lost its king. Gary Anderson, the two-time defending champion and winner of ten consecutive matches in this arena, has been eliminated. Fittingly, it was home favorite Niko Springer who ended the Scotsman’s winning streak at the ELTEN Safety Shoes European Darts Grand Prix.
Springer Ends Anderson’s Reign
Since 2024, Gary Anderson had ruled the Glaspalast like royalty. With two consecutive titles and ten straight victories in Sindelfingen, the “Flying Scotsman” seemed virtually invincible in this hall. That era has now come to an end. Niko Springer shattered the streak with a convincing 6-3 victory, sending the back-to-back champion home in the second round.
Springer, who had already stunned defending champion Michael van Gerwen with a 6-1 win in Munich two weeks ago, has now reached the final day of a tournament for the third time this year. Anderson, meanwhile, never found the rhythm that had made him the master of the Glaspalast over the last two years. The question of who will inherit the Scotsman’s crown will be decided on Sunday.
MvG Remains the Last Former Champion Standing
Meanwhile, Michael van Gerwen secured a routine 6-2 victory over Michael Unterbuchner. He is now the only player left in the draw who has previously won the European Darts Grand Prix. The Dutchman triumphed in Sindelfingen in 2016 and 2018 and could potentially claim his third title on Sunday.
Also eliminated on Saturday was Andrew Gilding. The Englishman, who reached the final last year only to suffer an 0-8 whitewash at the hands of Anderson, lost 2-6 to Chris Dobey.
Van Veen the Only Premier League Player Without a Win
Among the Premier League stars, only one failed to secure a victory on Saturday: Gian van Veen. The Dutchman fell 3:6 to Joe Cullen and was knocked out. In contrast, Stephen Bunting, Josh Rock, Gerwyn Price, Michael van Gerwen, and Jonny Clayton all took care of business.
The latter recorded the highest average of the entire Saturday. With 106.78 points, “The Ferret” left no room for doubt in his 6-1 win over European Tour debutant Valters Melderis. It was yet another testament to Clayton’s outstanding form from the Premier League, which he is now carrying over to the European Tour.
Two Germans Advance to Final Day
Following the exit of Michael Unterbuchner, Martin Schindler remains in the tournament alongside Niko Springer. “The Wall” won a tightly contested match against Damon Heta with a score of 6-5 to secure his place in the round of 16.
All results from Saturday
Mike De Decker 4:6 Krzysztof Ratajski
Jermaine Wattimena 6:3 Kevin Doets
Ryan Searle 2:6 Wessel Nijman
Danny Noppert 6:5 Oskar Lukasiak
Chris Dobey 6:2 Andrew Gilding
Gary Anderson 3:6 Niko Springer
Stephen Bunting 6:3 Mickey Mansell
Josh Rock 6:3 Keane Barry
Ross Smith 6:3 Cameron Menzies
Gerwyn Price 6:4 Dave Chisnall
Nathan Aspinall 6:1 Jeffrey De Zwaan
James Wade 6:3 Kim Huybrechts
Gian van Veen 3:6 Joe Cullen
Michael van Gerwen 6:2 Michael Unterbuchner
Martin Schindler 6:5 Damon Heta
Jonny Clayton 6:1 Valters Melderis
Outlook for Saturday
In the round of 16, Niko Springer will face Danny Noppert, while Martin Schindler takes on Jonny Clayton. While Van Gerwen dreams of a third title in Sindelfingen, the competition remains fierce. Tickets for the final day are still available via the official PDC Europe ticket website.
