"I was on holiday for two weeks and only practised twice during that time" - Niko Springer sends ominous warning to Littler following 'unexpected' 105 average

Niko Springer must have felt hard done by when watching the World Matchplay draw. His debut in Blackpool will see him take on the world number one and reigning champion Luke Littler. However, 'The Nuke' may have some thinking to do following Springer's impressive 6-2 win over Darius Labanauskas at the European Darts Open.

Averaging 105.21, Springer was in utter control on the oche. He threw four 180's while racking up a 60% checkout rate in the process, living up to his reputation of being a deadly finisher. In contrast, Labanauskas averaged over 20 points less and barely had a sniff throughout the contest.

The German got the crowd pumped up early on following a break of throw in the very first leg. He broke once more to go 4-1 ahead, averaging around the 107 mark. He kept around that benchmark throughout the rest of the contest, leaving his Lithuanian opponent almost no chance of mustering up a comeback in similar fashion to prior matches going on that day.

Springer finished in style, taking out 70 as he sent a firm and stark reminder not just to Littler, but to the darting world of his capabilities set to be showcased in Blackpool, but first Leverkusen.

Springer was delighted with the showing he put in. With expectations low following a stint away from the oche, he played like he never in a brilliant performance. "To be honest, I didn't expect to play that well. I was on holiday for two weeks and only practised twice during that time, so that was very unexpected," he said.

"Normally I practise a lot more, so it was difficult for me. I had no clue how I was going to play today. I'm surprised that I played that well, but of course I'm happy."

Practise or no practise, Springer has tons of class and pedigree on the oche. A former European Tour winner from last year, the German has been hot and cold on the oche in recent times, producing magnificent displays against some of the big guns while slipping up from time to time.

He will take a huge amount of confidence from this showing heading to Blackpool, where it does not get much bigger than Littler on stage. Despite the ominous challenge that lays ahead of him, the 25-year-old was prepared to give it his best shot while taking a lot of positives from the fact that he did not practise on the dartboard much.

"I think a lot," he commented. "I saw it in practice two or three days ago, but my feeling wasn't that good, so I had no clue how I would play this weekend. "I think I showed that I can play really well. I'm looking forward to tomorrow and also to next week's Matchplay."

Blackpool, for the time being, will be firmly at the back of his mind with glory in Leverkusen the objective. There will not be another European Tour for almost two months, leaving the players motivated to finish with a bang before the break in action. Springer especially in front of a home crowd will hope to shine.

While he is set to face the number one seed in the World Matchplay, he is set to get a bit of practice by clashing with the number one seed in Leverkusen in the form of Gian van Veen in what is set to be a blockbuster tie.