"For me it’s not important who my opponent is" - Jan Schmidt's fairytale European Darts Open continues

There is a new German darter on the tip of everyone's tongue. Jan Schmidt has excelled at the European Darts Open, taking down two big names in the form of Cameron Menzies and Mike De Decker in last-leg deciders.

The 21-year-old has showcased his talent on the big stage and in some fashion. He completed the most unlikely of comebacks in the first round against Menzies. The Scot was playing some brilliant stuff and took a commanding 5-1 lead.

It seemed that Schmidt's dreams in Leverkusen were set to come to an end, but then the trebles dried up for 'Cammy' and in turn Schmidt upped his game. He won the next five legs to book a spot in the second round, overcome with jubilance and emotion following the incredible finish.

The next day, the same thing happened. His average fell eight points to just under 82, but he was helped by the fact that De Decker could only muster up a 78 average. A poor showing by the former World Grand Prix champion who missed 10 darts on the outer ring.

This compared to the 50% checkout rate by Schmidt heavily favoured the home hero. No comebacks this time as the pair locked horns at 5-5. Schmidt threw first, and with the Belgian stranded on double 10, he kept his cool and pinned the double 16 segment to win an absolute thriller.

Schmidt has a knack of playing 11-leg matches on the European Tour. In his debut earlier this year at the German Darts Grand Prix, he took Niko Springer the distance, that time failing to win.

He will face James Wade in the third round, but that does not bother him. “I will take what I get, for me it’s not important who my opponent is," Schmidt stated after his round two victory. “I try to play my game, I play against the best players in the world and we’ll see tomorrow.”

Wade will be his toughest challenge yet, and he may need to up his level to stand a chance. A brilliant finisher, 'The Machine' will very likely not be leaving many chances for Schmidt to capitalise in what will be another highly anticipated matchup. He will, however, have the crowd behind him in a big boost as she searches for more victories in Leverkusen.