Schedule European Darts Championship 2023: cracker between Michael Smith and Raymond van Barneveld on opening day

The playing schedule for the 2023 European Darts Championship has been announced. No fewer than five (former) world champions will be in action during the opening day of the tournament in Dortmund, Germany.

The 32 best players of the European Tour will gather in Dortmund from October 26 to 29, where the 16th edition of the European Championship is scheduled. The first round will be played on Thursday and Friday evening. The 16 players in the top half of the tournament schedule will play on the opening day.

The top event of the first night is the clash between reigning world champion Michael Smith and five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld. However, more world champions appear on stage that evening. Rob Cross meets Dimitri van den Bergh, who is the only Belgian participant at this year's European Darts Championship. Gerwyn Price crosses swords with Keane Barry, while Peter Wright faces Gabriel Clemens.

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The number one seed will also appear on stage on Thursday, Oct. 26. Dave Chisnall, winner of three Euro Tours in 2023, starts his tournament against Chris Dobey. The tournament will be kicked off by Danny Noppert, who will kick off against Andrew Gilding. World Matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall lays on against Ryan Searle, while Martin Schindler and Stephen Bunting also face off.

The remaining participants are in action on Friday, Oct. 27. Gian van Veen will make his debut at this tournament against Damon Heta, while Dirk van Duijvenbode will take on James Wade. Four-time European Championship winner Michael van Gerwen opens his participation against Madars Razma. Players such as Joe Cullen, Josh Rock, Jonny Clayton, Luke Humphries and defending champion Ross Smith will also be featured on Friday.

On Saturday, Oct. 28, the second round will be played over two sessions. On Sunday afternoon, Oct. 29, the quarterfinals are scheduled, followed by the semifinals and finals on Sunday evening.

Schedule European Championship 2023

Thursday, Oct. 26 (from 5:45 p.m.)

First round

Danny Noppert v Andrew Gilding

Nathan Aspinall v Ryan Searle

Dave Chisnall v Chris Dobey

Rob Cross v Dimitri Van den Bergh

Gerwyn Price v Keane Barry

Peter Wright v Gabriel Clemens

Michael Smith v Raymond van Barneveld

Martin Schindler v Stephen Bunting

Friday, Oct. 27 (from 5:45 p.m.)

First round

Damon Heta v Gian van Veen

Krzysztof Ratajski v Joe Cullen

Josh Rock v Daryl Gurney

Jonny Clayton v Jose De Sousa

Dirk van Duijvenbode v James Wade

Luke Humphries v Brendan Dolan

Michael van Gerwen v Madars Razma

Ricardo Pietreczko v Ross Smith

Saturday, Oct. 28

Afternoon session (from 12 p.m.)

Second round (4x)

Evening session (from 6 p.m.)

Second round (4x)

Sunday, Oct. 29

Afternoon session (from 12 p.m.)

Quarterfinal

Evening session (from 6 p.m.)

Semifinals

Final