“I had absolutely nothing to lose… I could only win” - Niko Springer revels in 6-1 thrashing of Michael van Gerwen in Munich

Niko Springer delivered one of the standout results of the weekend at the 2026 German Darts Grand Prix in Munich, defeating Michael van Gerwen 6-1 on Easter Sunday to reach the last 16.

Despite the emphatic scoreline, the German remained measured in his post-match interview with Master of Ceremonies Philip Brzezinski, pointing to the fine margins within the performance.

“I wouldn’t really call it dominance,” Springer said, referencing his opponent’s missed doubles. “If he hits his doubles, it’s a completely different game.”

Instead, he highlighted his own efficiency as the key factor. “The chances I got weren’t many, but I took them.” While van Gerwen finished at just 14% on his doubles, Springer converted 46%, hitting six of his 14 attempts.

The contrast to his opening match was clear. Just 24 hours earlier, Springer had struggled through a tense encounter with Jan Schmidt.

“You can’t compare yesterday’s game with today at all,” he said. “Yesterday I had to fight for every dart.” Against van Gerwen, the feeling was different. “Today I had that lightness again.”

A major factor, he admitted, was the shift in expectation. “I’m having a bit of trouble with the favourite’s role at the moment,” Springer said. Against van Gerwen, he was able to play with freedom. “Today I knew I had absolutely nothing to lose. I could only win. And luckily I managed to win the match today.”

The Munich crowd also played its part in the performance. “You just have to listen to it,” Springer said with a smile, praising the atmosphere inside the arena.

Next up is another major test, with Michael Smith waiting in the last 16. Springer was respectful, but clear on what will be required. “Michael Smith is a really tough opponent. He’s achieved a lot, he’s a world champion,” he said. “I have to play the same level, maybe even a bit more.”

Despite the scale of the result, Springer kept his feet firmly on the ground as attention turns to the next challenge in Munich, with his performance serving as a clear reminder of the level he can produce.