“Such a relief to hit my first on the big stage”: Dirk van Duijvenbode gives German Darts Championship moneys worth with nine-dart finish

Dirk van Duijvenbode impressively graced the opening day of the German Darts Championship with a spectacular nine darter. The Dutch dart player delivered this feat of perfection in his first round match against Czech number one Karel Sedlacek at the Halle 39 tournament in Hildesheim. Van Duijvenbode will take on fourth-seeded Chris Dobey in the second round.

The match, part of the last European Tour edition of 2025, already started strongly, but reached an absolute climax in the fourth leg. There Van Duijvenbode managed to throw the perfect leg: 180, 180 and a 141 finish. With that he completed the leg with only nine arrows, always a moment of sensation, especially on a big stage.

As if that were not enough, he followed up his magic moment with a tight 116 finish, only to end the match with a spectacular 135 finish on the bullseye.

The audience in Hildesheim was treated to a true darts demonstration by the Dutchman, who eventually managed to beat the Czech 6-4 with an average of 101.

Afterwards, a visibly satisfied Van Duijvenbode spoke about his special achievement.

“This is a big dream coming true,” admitted Van Duijvenbode. “I have hit three nine-darters this year, but I’ve always wanted to hit one on a stage, because those really count.

“It’s such a relief to hit my first nine-darter on the big stage, so I am very happy of course!”

With his victory, Van Duijvenbode qualifies for the second round of the tournament, in which he will take on Englishman Chris Dobey. Dobey, himself no stranger to the European circuit, will undoubtedly be warned after the Dutchman's strong opening round.

For Van Duijvenbode, form seems to be returning at exactly the right time. The Dutchman had a shaky season, but shows with this performance that he is still able to compete at the highest level. His average of over 100 and the level of his finishes show that he is not only mentally, but also technically fully balanced.

Throwing a nine-darter on a stage is not only a personal highlight, but also a calling card to the rest of the field of competitors. It shows that Van Duijvenbode is not afraid to peak when it matters - a trait that is crucial in the European Tour's short format.

With matches to follow and opponents getting stronger and stronger, Van Duijvenbode will want to keep his momentum going. But if his performance against Sedláček says anything, it is that he is ready to shine again.

Will the German Darts Championship 2025 be the tournament in which Van Duijvenbode finally takes his first major title on the European stage? If he manages to maintain this level, nothing is out of the question.