“I believe I can do even more” – Niko Springer after emphatic 6-0 statement win over Wessel Nijman

Niko Springer sent out a real statement at the Austrian Darts Open. The German whitewashed the currently hottest Pro Tour player, Wessel Nijman, 6-0 in the second round and, at times, played like a man possessed. Especially in the first five legs, Springer operated at world-class level and barely let his opponent breathe.

Springer knew exactly what task awaited him. The German has known Nijman for years from the Development Tour and had great respect for his form curve this season speaking to DartsNews.

“I’ve known Wessel for a bit longer, especially from the Development Tour. They were always high-quality games. Looking at the year, he’s still the player of the year. That’s why I knew what was coming and what I had to play,” Springer explained after the match to DartsNews.

The 25-year-old made a perfect start and took his chances right away. At the same time, Nijman initially never got going at all. Springer drew extra confidence from exactly that.

“I’d say I got into it really well. I took my chances at the start, and he maybe didn’t settle the way he would’ve liked. I benefited from that a bit, and it gave me confidence mid-match. Fortunately, I got the job done.”

Springer’s level in the opening phase was particularly impressive. After five legs, the German was averaging around 110. Nevertheless, Springer still sees room for improvement in his game.

Asked how close this performance was to perfection, the German was surprisingly critical of himself.

“I’d definitely say my game can go a lot higher. I haven’t seen the stats yet, but I back myself to do more. But of course I’m very happy for now.”

Springer also wanted to prove he can produce this level against elite opponents with this display. After the match, he was asked how it felt to finally deliver such a performance on the big stage.

“To be honest, it didn’t really feel like that,” Springer said with a grin when he heard the average for the first five legs. “When you’re locked in, you try to block everything else out. Hearing it now does feel good, especially compared to yesterday. I’d say that was clearly worse.”

Despite the clear lead, the German stayed focused to the end. He knew exactly how dangerous Nijman can be once the Dutchman finds a foothold in a match.

“Sure, when you’re 5-0 up and the finish line is in sight, you still know what he can produce. If he really gets into it at the end, it can still swing.”

Even at 5-0, Springer says he wasn’t thinking about a possible whitewash. Missed match darts annoyed him more, even though the win was never seriously in doubt.

“Not even whitewash. I know I’ve got my darts to win. It’s not just yesterday that I missed at least three darts for it. Sure, it’s annoying, because it contradicts the feeling of the game a bit. But in the end, the win is what counts.”

The next monumental task now awaits in the last 16. Springer faces Josh Rock, who is now among the best players in the world and even takes to the stage in the Premier League Darts. Springer knows he will need another top performance.

“If only it were that easy,” Springer said with a laugh at the suggestion that his level is improving day by day. “I think against Josh Rock it’ll be a completely different game again. He plays in the Premier League and is already one of the best players in the world. I know I have to play to a similar level—if not raise it again. I’m very confident.”