PDC Europe Super League 2025: Arno Merk books his Ally Pally debut
PDCSaturday, 08 November 2025 at 10:30
Arno Merk will make his long-awaited debut at Alexandra Palace this December after clinching the PDC Europe Super League 2025 title in Hildesheim. The 33-year-old German sealed the coveted spot at the 2026 World Darts Championship by beating Daniel Klose 8-6 in Friday night’s final — the biggest win of his career so far.
Merk completes remarkable comeback story
Merk, once hailed as one of German darts’ brightest young prospects, stepped away from the professional scene several years ago. But in 2025, he’s rewritten the script entirely — returning to form in spectacular fashion to earn a dream ticket to the sport’s biggest stage.
In the Super League final, the man from Lower Saxony defeated former Tour Card holder Daniel Klose, producing moments of brilliance when it mattered most. Klose made the stronger start, taking the opening leg in 18 darts, but Merk responded immediately and levelled with a 15-darter. The pair traded holds before Merk struck first blood, landing a 72 checkout in 15 darts for a 3-2 lead.
From there, Merk took control. He rattled off legs in 17 and 18 darts to move 5-2 ahead, before Klose mounted a late rally. The Bavarian clawed back to 5-4, then levelled at 6-6 with a gritty 23-dart break.
But Merk showed real steel in the closing stages — something that had been his trademark all week. A stunning 116 checkout on double 18 gave him back the lead, and he sealed victory with a 15-darter on double 16 to book his place at Ally Pally for the very first time.
Merk in action
The final night
The decisive night at Halle 39 opened with Klose easing past debutant Mika Donnevert 6-1. Liam Maendl-Lawrance then impressed with a 6-2 win over veteran Michael Klönhammer, before Jarod Becker sent the local crowd wild by edging Dragutin Horvat 6-5.
Merk rounded off the quarter-finals with a strong 6-4 win against Yorick Hofkens, posting a world-class 99.96 average.
In the semi-finals, Merk dispatched home favourite Becker 7-2, while Klose overcame Maendl-Lawrance 7-3 — setting up a high-quality final that went the distance before Merk lifted the trophy.
PDC Europe Super League 2025 – Final night results
Quarter-finals
Daniel Klose (84.65) 6–1 (77.73) Mika Donnevert
Michael Klönhammer (76.37) 2–6 (96.20) Liam Maendl-Lawrance
Jarod Becker (82.71) 6–5 (85.09) Dragutin Horvat
Yorick Hofkens (93.13) 4–6 (99.96) Arno Merk
Semi-finals
Daniel Klose (88.01) 7–3 (88.16) Liam Maendl-Lawrance
Arno Merk (87.14) 7–2 (73.82) Jarod Becker
Final
Arno Merk (86.13) 8–6 (87.40) Daniel Klose
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- Sophie v Paige warranted a final and deserved a longer format, despite the completely shambolic start to the match regarding the scoring which I think unnerved both players, it was an excellent game. Both are outstanding players with great futures in darts. It was a shame such talented players had to meet so early and that Paige is out, she is brilliant and blitzed Sophie in that first set. Fantastic comeback from Sophie, so calm and nonchalant, survived a real scare but hope she becomes World Champion.richieburnettrocks04-12-2025
- I'll play,I can average about 40!rick6701-12-2025
- I'll play,I can average about 40!rick6701-12-2025
- Oh fudge off. Who the hell decided Mardull was preferred choice. Just look as its idiotic face. What a talentless waste of space What a travesty when you compare what ITV had. He comes across as a jokey person but it's a class A piece of sheet, miserable as hell and completely full of himself. I don't know anyone who can say anything positive about this goof. Hopefully he'll meet Chris Mason in a dark alley. It really is paving over paradise.richieburnettrocks26-11-2025
- Needs to get the dart tip up when he pulls the dart back and his game will come back.BandB25-11-2025
- Absolutely disgraceful, really I've said many times that ITV coverage is superior to SKY and SKY know that. Jacqui was absolutely fantastic and extremely knowledgeable. Emma from SKY is more interested in what to wear than learning about darts. Chris Mason is absolutely the best and greatest commentator on TV, even better than Alex Jacques on F1 and Alex is absolutely brilliant. It is criminal that Chris and Alan will probably never be on TV again, what an amazing waste of talent. Poor Ned, who is just as excellent and knowledgeable on darts as the Tour de France has lost both gigs this year. The whole ITV team from presentation, commentary, production the whole team will definitely be missed and I have enjoyed every minute of their coverage. Thank you so much. John Part is the ONLY decent and knowledgeable person on SKY. I liked Glenn Durrant the player but he is awkward and dreadful on commentary all the rest are utterly useless.richieburnettrocks24-11-2025
- Gurney is off form and will completely crack and have a meltdown as the crowd will be relentless, although I think Beau will beat him anyway. I also think Fallon will beat the Helium voiced Chisnall. Poor Gemma has a toughie Peter Wright is also completely off the boil but will probably squeeze past Lisa. Ian White v Mervyn King is an old school classic.richieburnettrocks24-11-2025
- I thought itv coverage was great,shame to see it goingrick6724-11-2025
- Put the balls back in and have another go!rick6724-11-2025
- Hate the idea. Darts is loud and exciting without this gimmick format. Golf needs it because it's otherwise boring. Sorry but same applies for royale rumble style knock out.BandB19-11-2025
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