McGeeney edges past Payne in impressive European Tour debut, Dolan and Van den Bergh also ease through
News
Mark McGeeney, Brendan Dolan and Dimitri van den Bergh are through to Round Two to conclude the first session of action at the European Darts Grand Prix.
ADVERTISEMENT
McGeeney saw off Josh Payne in an impressive win for the debuting former BDO World finalist. He hit a 93.7 average, a 121 checkout as well as 55 percent on his doubles en route in the end to a 6-3 victory. Dolan also moved through with ease against the German, Michael Rosenauer with a 95 average and 66 percent on his doubles. He claimed a 6-2 victory as he sends a second Host Nation Qualifier home. Finally Dimitri van den Bergh who last time out on the European Tour didn't look anywhere close to his best looked better during a 6-1 victory over Michael Rasztovits. He had a high finish of 120 and hit 50 percent on his doubles en route compared to half of that from his opponent which equates to 1/4. for more information about the PDC European Tour, including the format, calendar and the prize fund breakdown. First Round Pero Ljubic (84) 3-6 (92.3) Ross Smith Matthew Edgar (83.63) 3-6 (95.94) James Richardson Robert Owen (91.22) 4-6 (94.69) Krzysztof Ratajski Niels Zonneveld (79.15) 6-4 (78.15) Michael Hurtz Kim Viljanen (82.09) 1-6 (102.97) Nathan Aspinall Mark McGeeney (93.78) 6-3 (97.74) Josh Payne Brendan Dolan (94.94) 6-2 (86.75) Michael Rosenauer Michael Rasztovits (90.98) 1-6 (91.51) Dimitri Van den Bergh
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- Well,I suppose if you don't play the tournaments ,then why should any player qualify? There are players who enter every tournament,and if they don't win it,they carry on, spending money they haven't won,yet certain players seem to think they should qualify. Winners only I thinkrick6714-11-2026
- Everyone knows what a fantastic champion Taylor was,but his performances in the seniors were poor. He wouldn't throw littler off stage,as he'd miss these days!!rick6712-11-2026
- He produced some impressive numbers in that qualifying campaign. I'm excited to see him compete at the World Championship once again, even if it will be difficult to replicate last year's success even with an improved performance, with the draw playing a huge role in determining his fortunes.Deduce635811-11-2026
- I often think about this very question. I think they should revive the format. They could even invite representatives from MODUS Super Series, with four series winners from the past year, and the ADC, with finalists from the Global Championship and perhaps other events. Why not throw in eligible representatives from the JDC and even the soft-tip game too?Deduce635811-11-2026
- So what if littler missed out, he doesnt have to enter everythingant10-11-2026
- Good, absolutely no loss if we never see this dancing goof ever again......no that is not fair. He absolutely cannot and has never been remotely able to dance!richieburnettrocks10-11-2026
- Yes Phil,now the money in the game is bigger than ever,you'd play littler. Well so would I! Retire on your memory Phil,and your successful careerrick6709-11-2026
- And why should he listen to you?Deduce635807-11-2026
- Ultimately it is a bye for whoever draws Barney. It will be another stroppy and sulky performance once he goes behind. Barney was excellent but really must completely call it a day now.richieburnettrocks07-11-2026
- I'm disappointed he was not able to secure a spot at the Grand Slam. With Carl Sneyd taking care of Daryl Gurney, he would have had to beat Andy Boulton before facing the winner of Sneyd vs Mensur Suljović for a Grand Slam spot. Unfortunately, after beating Filip Bereza comfortably, he succumbed to Boulton, and the board would ultimately be won by the highly inconsistent Carl Sneyd. Since he could instead have been drawn against the likes of Cristo Reyes, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Stephen Bunting, I think once Gurney was out of the picture he would have been favourite to win his board, and it seems like a massive missed opportunity to put 5 grand on his ranking and seal another major TV appearance ahead of the Worlds. The highs and lows of following Raymond van Barneveld!Deduce635806-11-2026