The Incheba Expo in Bratislava opened a new chapter in European Tour history on Friday. With the Slovak Darts Open, the tournament series made its first-ever appearance in Slovakia, expanding the European Tour map to twelve countries. A total of six players celebrated their European Tour debut, including four Slovakian Host Nation Qualifiers. However, the strongest performance among the newcomers came from an Englishman.
Sykes shines on debut
Tom Sykes stepped onto the European Tour stage for the first time in Bratislava and played out of his skin. With the best average of the day at 103.64 points, the Englishman knocked Niko Springer out of the tournament, making the strongest possible impression on his debut.
In contrast, the four Slovakian Host Nation Qualifiers experienced a difficult first day of the tournament. Although Jan Sliacky made history as the first Slovakian player on the European Tour during his 1:6 defeat against Niels Zonneveld, a victory eluded both Sliacky and his compatriots Adrian Dudek, Juraj Holub, and Gabriel Varaljay. The fifth debutant, Peter Kelemen, was also forced to accept defeat.
Thorpe and Long with maiden victories
While the debutants still have to wait for their first win, Tyler Thorpe and Jim Long each celebrated their first victory in what was their second European Tour appearance. Long brushed aside Daryl Gurney with a commanding 6:1 win, while Thorpe produced a strong 103.30 average against Karel Sedlacek to win 6:2. For Sedlacek, this significantly dampens any remaining hopes of World Matchplay qualification.
Matchplay race enters the decisive phase
The topic of World Matchplay qualification resonated through many matches on the opening day in Bratislava. Jeffrey De Graaf, who arrived with high hopes of qualifying after his ProTour title earlier this month, lost 3:6 to William O’Connor. Meanwhile, Cameron Menzies (6:1), who currently holds the final qualification spot, alongside his direct pursuers Dave Chisnall (6:5) and Kim Huybrechts (6:4), won their matches to keep their chances alive.
Mervyn King returned to the European Tour after more than two years. Grand performances like his title win at the European Darts Grand Prix over a decade ago did not materialize. He reached the end of the road against Andrew Gilding with a 4:6 loss.
All results on Friday
Justin Hood 5:6 Benjamin Pratnemer
Karel Sedlacek 2:6 Tyler Thorpe
Andrew Gilding 6:4 Mervyn King
Kevin Doets 6:3 Owen Bates
Niels Zonneveld 6:1 Jan Sliacky
William O’Connor 6:3 Jeffrey De Graaf
Ryan Joyce 6:3 Johan Engström
Dave Chisnall 6:5 Adrian Dudek
Dirk van Duijvenbode 4:6 Madars Razma
Kim Huybrechts 6:4 Keane Barry
Rob Cross 6:3 Juraj Holub
Daryl Gurney 1:6 Jim Long
Niko Springer 2:6 Tom Sykes
Cameron Menzies 6:1 Gabriel Varaljay
Joe Cullen 6:3 Peter Kelemen
Krzysztof Ratajski 6:2 Cristo Reyes
Outlook for Saturday
On Saturday, the top 16 seeded players will enter the action at the Slovak Darts Open starting from 1 PM – including top seed Gian van Veen, European Tour record champion Michael van Gerwen, and Gerwyn Price. Alongside the question of who will secure the first-ever title in Slovakia, the World Matchplay race will heavily dominate the weekend. Tickets for Saturday are still available HERE.
