"I wouldn’t have stood a chance without a painkiller" - Niko Springer fights his way into round two despite health problems

Niko Springer made a major statement at the European Darts Open 2025 in Leverkusen. In the opening round of the eighth European Tour event of the season, the German crowd favourite dispatched Dutch star Dirk van Duijvenbode with an emphatic 6–1 victory — marking not only a sporting triumph but also a deeply emotional moment in front of his home fans.

Speaking exclusively to Dartsnews.com just moments after the match, Springer reflected on the result with humility and perspective.

“It was a sluggish game — it looked clearer in the end than it actually was,” Springer admitted. “Dirk missed a lot of doubles, and I was there in the crucial moments. But we all know how well he can play. It was a special situation for me today, especially after last week. The atmosphere here in Germany is just incredible. I’ve got a lot of friends and family with me, which makes it even more special. I deserved to win — but I know there's more to come.”

One of the standout moments of the evening came courtesy of the fans in Leverkusen, who broke into chants of “Mainzaa” — a touching tribute to Springer’s beloved football club, 1. FSV Mainz 05.

“That was an absolute highlight — something completely new for me. I’ve never experienced anything like that before at the PDC,” said a visibly moved Springer. “It was very emotional. I enjoyed every second of it. Every call of ‘Mainz’ gave me goosebumps. I hope I was able to give something back to the fans tonight. I’m very grateful and happy — it means a lot that it all worked out.”

Springer’s standout performance was all the more impressive given his physical condition. After reaching the final in Rosmalen the previous weekend, the 24-year-old was struggling with illness in the run-up to Leverkusen.

“I was definitely limited,” he revealed. “This morning, I wouldn’t have stood a chance without a painkiller. I also took an allergy tablet — hay fever is a real issue for me at the moment. I inherited that from my mother. It wasn’t easy, but friends have told me that sometimes playing under the weather can free you up mentally. So I just thought, whatever — I’m going to the board, I want to win, and I’ll do everything I can. Either it works or it doesn’t.”

Springer found extra motivation from the presence of family and fellow players in the crowd, including his parents, sister, and German darts colleagues Lukas Wenig and Maximilian Czerwinski.

“It’s amazing,” Springer said. “To have my parents, my sister, my friends all here supporting me, taking it all in — it means the world to me. It makes me proud, especially when things go this well. That was a huge moment. We’ll celebrate a little tonight.”

Springer now faces a formidable test in round two: Chris Dobey. But the German approaches the match with confidence and belief.

“We know each other from the Pro Tour — he’s not an unfamiliar face,” Springer explained. “I’ve played him once and won. That gives me a good feeling going into the match. With the support I’ve got here, I feel like I can only win. I hope the performance will be better than today’s.”

Springer’s recent run to the final in Rosmalen may have surprised many — but not the man himself.

“It’s hard to explain. In the end, I just played the way I do in practice,” said the Mainz native. “It might sound strange, but it wasn’t a surprise to me. Of course, reaching a final at a tournament like that, especially abroad, is always special. But for me, it was more a confirmation that I’m on the right path. I’ve had that feedback from great players like Raymond van Barneveld, and that makes me proud. This was the first time I could really show it on stage.”

Despite the momentum, Springer stressed the importance of rest and recovery after a demanding stretch.

“I spent the last few days in bed, resting and not throwing at all,” he said. “Now I won’t do much either — I said I’d celebrate a bit, but honestly, I’m probably heading straight to bed to be fresh for tomorrow.”

Asked whether he could have imagined a better start to life as a professional, Springer remained grounded.

“I’m always very self-critical,” he said. “I know I can do better. But I also think it’s good sometimes to take a step back, slow down, and let things happen. I have absolutely no complaints — the first few months have been fantastic. I expect more of myself, of course. But it’s important to take it all in, learn, and grow. That’s why I’m here — and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”