"Not at all, I honestly don’t really care" – Niko Springer attaches no significance to any supposed status as the ‘best German’
PDCSunday, 19 April 2026 at 11:00
Niko Springer produced a clear response at the European Darts Grand Prix. After his disappointing display the day before, the German looked far more solid and beat defending champion Gary Anderson convincingly 6-3. With a 95 average and reliable finishing, Springer delivered exactly the answer he had demanded of himself.
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The difference from the previous day was obvious. “Yes, essentially,” Springer explained after the match speaking to DartsNews. “I think I already mentioned yesterday that at the moment it’s a bit easier for me to play someone ranked above me, where I basically have nothing to lose.” The mix of relief and self-analysis also shaped his demeanour after the game.
Playing without pressure as the key
Springer visibly benefited from his underdog role. Against a player like Anderson, the pressure clearly sits on the other side — a fact the German consciously exploits. “That’s why I think it was a good game,” he said. At the same time, he stayed realistic: “But if I hadn’t adjusted my scoring compared to yesterday, then it would have been much tougher today.”
That adjustment in scoring ultimately made the difference. Springer was more consistent, put Anderson under early pressure, and maintained his level throughout.
Another factor was the crowd. Springer played in front of many familiar faces — family, friends, and supporters provided an extra lift. “Feels extremely good,” he stressed. “I’ve got a lot of people I know here. Whether family or friends — it’s not too far from my home.” The atmosphere clearly carried him through the match. “I was grateful for the support I got today and was, of course, delighted.”
Moments like these are crucial for a player on the rise. The stage, the backing, and the trust in his own game all interlock — and that was exactly reflected in Springer’s performance.
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Lessons from setbacks
The win didn’t come out of nowhere. Only recently, Springer suffered a defeat to Michael Smith in Munich — a performance that visibly stayed with him. For him, however, the focus is less on the opponent and more on his own approach.
“It’s not all that easy,” he admitted. “It’s not necessarily the name of who might come tomorrow. It’s simply the way I go about it.” This is exactly where his analysis begins. “I’ve learned a lot from that and will try to do better tomorrow.”
Niko Springer faces Danny Noppert in the third round
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His comments make it clear: Springer looks less at individual results and more at his development. He puts defeats into context without overplaying them and works specifically on improving his game.
Good results, mixed feeling
The gap between results and his own standards remains striking. Springer is winning matches, but he still doesn’t see his game at the desired level. “It feels a bit strange, unfamiliar,” he explained. “Of course I have certain expectations of myself, and when they aren’t met, it’s not that easy mentally.”
Still, he remains diligent in his work. “I’m working on myself. I always try to make the best of it,” said Springer. The combination of self-analysis and clear objectives currently underpins his progress.
Ranking doesn’t matter
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With this win, Springer has also moved past Gabriel Clemens and is currently the German number three. For many, that would be a milestone — not for him. “No, not at all. I honestly don’t really care,” he stated. “I’m really trying to focus on myself, neither on rankings nor on any position within Germany.”
His focus remains internal: “I want to get the best out of myself and then we’ll see what comes of it.” This approach shields him from unnecessary pressure and keeps the focus on his own development.
A clear step forward
The win over Gary Anderson underlines Springer’s potential. He can live with the world’s best — especially when he plays with freedom and keeps his scoring steady. At the same time, he speaks openly about not having everything at the desired level yet. He is winning games while remaining critical in assessing his own performances.
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Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
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