"I'm not going to play games or act silly" – But pumped-up Danny Noppert fires into European Championship second round

Danny Noppert insists he hasn’t suddenly turned into a showman – but the Dutchman’s performance in Dortmund on Friday night was packed with power, poise and a new flash of emotion that’s driving him to another level.

The 33-year-old Freeze stormed into the second round of the 2025 European Championship with a 6–3 win over fellow Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode, producing seven 180s and a near-105 average to announce himself as a serious contender this weekend.

“I’m not going to play games or act silly, but I do show a bit more emotion now,” Noppert told Viaplay after the match, smiling as he reflected on his win. “People around me say I’ve changed a little – in a good way. Maybe it just suits my game more.”

Van Duijvenbode has been one of the form players on tour over the past month, but Noppert never let him settle. The 2022 UK Open champion looked in total control from the first dart, firing on all cylinders and hitting his trademark trebles for fun.

“The trebles were flying in,” he said. “This was exactly what I’ve always wanted to show – and now it’s finally coming out. Especially against Dirk, who’s been playing brilliantly lately, this feels really good.”

Noppert admitted he’s been feeling increasingly at home on the big stages, with his body language and scoring reflecting a player full of belief. That confidence has also started to show in how he celebrates.

“At the World Grand Prix I was the player who hit the most 180s, which even surprised me,” he laughed. “But the trebles are flowing nicely at the moment. When that first dart lands well, the other two follow a lot easier than they used to.”

Asked about his fist pumps and reactions after big scores, Noppert was quick to downplay any idea of theatrics: “When it goes in, of course you can celebrate it. That’s how I see it. It gives me a bit of a boost. When you carry that energy into the next leg, you can feel it.”

With a 45% checkout rate (six out of 14) and just one leg dropped on throw, Noppert’s opening performance was among the best of the night. Still, the usually reserved Dutchman believes there’s more to come.

“There’s maybe a bit to gain on the doubles,” he admitted. “But I’m really happy. Dirk was maybe a bit below his best today, but I think my win was fully deserved. No one can argue with that.”

Looking ahead to his last-16 clash with The Asp Nathan Aspinall on Saturday, Noppert sounded calm but quietly confident.

“I’m super pleased,” he said. “And I’m already looking forward to tomorrow. The way I’ve been playing these past few weeks, I’m just very happy with it.”

With his scoring rhythm back, composure restored, and a spark of emotion now fueling his throws, Danny Noppert might just have found the perfect balance between calm and fire – and that makes him dangerous in Dortmund.