The PDC Europe is back in Rosmalen and convincing both on and off the stage. In the crowd, 15,000 enthusiastic fans transform the Autotron into a true darts palace, cheering their players on with relentless energy. Leading the charge: “The Ferret” Jonny Clayton.
He shines throughout the weekend and claims victory at the ELTEN Safety Shoes Dutch Darts Championship.
In a thrilling final, he triumphs 8–6 over “Meenzer Bub” Niko Springer.
With this win, the 50-year-old not only secures his third European Tour title but also takes home the prize money of £30,000.
“It’s a great feeling. I was 4–1 down here against a fantastic player. He is the future of darts, a great guy. Somehow, I managed to fight back, took the lead, and was able to hold on. I’m over the moon,” says a beaming Jonny Clayton.
Clayton had already reached the final in Rosmalen in 2024. Back then, he had to concede defeat to Josh Rock, but this time, he leaves the stage as the winner. It’s his first European Tour title since Graz 2023.
On his way to the title, he defeated the likes of Max Hopp and Ross Smith. In the quarterfinals, he beat local hero Danny Noppert with an outstanding average of nearly 107, before overcoming Luke Humphries 7–5 in the semifinals.
Despite the loss in the final, the tournament was also a huge success for Springer. He reached the first European Tour final of his career.
Springer, who only joined the ProTour at the beginning of the year, had already impressed this season with strong performances. Now, less than half a year after earning his Tour Card, he hits another milestone—paved by exceptional performances (102.84 average against Martin Schindler, 107.56 against Ricardo Pietreczko, and a 103-point average against Wessel Nijman).
“I had a really good start to the match and thought this might be it. But I have to say, Jonny just played incredibly well and really put me under pressure in my first final. Right now I’m a bit sad, but of course I’m also very happy about reaching my first final,” said Springer afterward.
Beyond the final, the European Tour once again delivered countless highlights—with big finishes, upsets, and spectacular moments lighting up the stage.
A record-setting 14 Dutch players competed on home soil. With Dirk van Duijvenbode, Danny Noppert, and Wessel Nijman, three made it to the round of 16. Nijman went the furthest, reaching the semifinals and becoming the most successful Dutch player of the tournament.
That’s the PDC European Tour! And the journey continues:
Next week, PDC Europe heads to Leverkusen for the ELTEN Safety Shoes European Darts Open, answering the big question: Who will succeed defending champion Dave Chisnall?
