It's all getting a bit interesting at the PDC European Championship.
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There were some notable casualties in the opening round. Two of the really big ones, Mensur Suljovic and Daryl Gurney, depart having been considered hot favourites to make the semi-finals. That's because the top half of the draw is stacked with top seeds. The PDC world number one and four-time European Championship winner is among them. Can anyone stop Mighty Mike?
There's three ties to be played before that particular question is asked. Joe Cullen and Michael Smith both powered away from their opponents to record decent first round wins. It's likely that the opening stages, at least, will be tight here too. Peter Wright was untouchable in a whitewash win over Jermaine Wattimena. Former European Championship winner Simon Whitlock will make things much tougher for Snakebite.
Rob Cross was threatened by Danny Noppert, but eventually went through. This time Voltage meets a bona fide giant killer. Richard North's win over Ian White was the one real surprise of the opening night. He'll believe that he can do the same again against the world champion.
And in the final tie, it's time to bring back that question. Next to offer up an answer is Steve West, who sneaked past close pal Mervyn King in round one. He's playing Michael van Gerwen, fresh off a 110.32 average and a 170 checkout against Paul Nicholson. The last time the Dutchman lost in this tournament was on July 7, 2013. A nere 1937 days later, it's West's turn to try his hand at overcoming this darting behemoth.
Click here to view more information on the European Championship.
There's three ties to be played before that particular question is asked. Joe Cullen and Michael Smith both powered away from their opponents to record decent first round wins. It's likely that the opening stages, at least, will be tight here too. Peter Wright was untouchable in a whitewash win over Jermaine Wattimena. Former European Championship winner Simon Whitlock will make things much tougher for Snakebite.
Rob Cross was threatened by Danny Noppert, but eventually went through. This time Voltage meets a bona fide giant killer. Richard North's win over Ian White was the one real surprise of the opening night. He'll believe that he can do the same again against the world champion.
And in the final tie, it's time to bring back that question. Next to offer up an answer is Steve West, who sneaked past close pal Mervyn King in round one. He's playing Michael van Gerwen, fresh off a 110.32 average and a 170 checkout against Paul Nicholson. The last time the Dutchman lost in this tournament was on July 7, 2013. A nere 1937 days later, it's West's turn to try his hand at overcoming this darting behemoth.
Click here to view more information on the European Championship.
Evening session schedule
Joe Cullen v Michael Smith Simon Whitlock v Peter Wright Richard North v Rob Cross Michael van Gerwen v Steve West
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- 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