“The results are definitely there. But I’m still not completely happy with the way I’m playing” - Springer not at his best but still winning with Nijman next

Niko Springer has not let his prior Euro Tour success from 2025 get in the way of his progress this campaign. A hugely intriguing tie against Wessel Nijman was set up after defeating an underwhelming Nick Kenny 6-3 in the Austrian Darts Open.

Despite only averaging 87.7, this was comfortably higher than what Kenny could produce. The German hit 100 or more 16 times in the match, but his usual imperious doubling was not on display. He missed a grand total of 19 doubles but was also fortunate that his Welsh opponent spurned 13 of his chances in Graz.

“I’d say I didn’t get into the match well at all. I struggled a lot and let myself get dragged down a bit by the low scoring at the start, which wasn’t very good,” he told Dartsnews.com after the match. “But I tried to fight my way into the game, and I think I managed to do that with the finishes.”

There were glimmers of quality on show. A magnificent 167 got Springer on his merry way while picking up the crowd, but there was also another ton+ checkout which proved to be crucial. “Definitely to some extent, yes. But I wouldn’t say that was the only key moment," he explained.

"I’d say the 126 finish was also important, just to show that I was still there in the match, because at the beginning the scoring simply wasn’t there at all. I struggled a lot, and I could also tell that my opponent didn’t settle into the game properly either, but I still missed chances. That’s why those big moments and statements were really important.”

Kenny was slightly more lethargic on the oche, making him a trickier player to compete against. He was helped by the Welshman's level not being anywhere near the standards expected at this level, but his concentration still needed to be very high. “I really just try to stay focused on myself. The moments where I need a bit more time, I take for myself — that’s independent of the opponent. Of course, he took a bit more time, but that’s no reason for me to look for excuses. I focus on myself, and overall things are going quite well.”

Expectations are obviously a lot higher for Springer now compared to last year. While he is still picking up decent results, the performances are not what he is hoping for or expecting.

“The results are definitely there, so I’m satisfied with that. But I’m still not completely happy with the way I’m playing,” he commented. “I think there’s still a huge amount of potential for improvement, and that’s what I’m trying to work on. Then the rest will follow naturally.”

That Euro Tour title came in the Hungarian capital of Budapest. In one of the most incredible Euro Tour runs in history, he defeated the likes of Luke Humphries, Damon Heta, Rob Cross and Josh Rock ahead of pipping Danny Noppert in a last-leg decider to take the title. He also made the final of the Dutch Darts Championship, coming out second best against a certain Jonny Clayton.

Those finals, and specifically title, have launched Springer to new heights in terms of ranking and status as a darter, but aside from that not really much has change. “Honestly, not much. Of course, it pushed me a bit higher in the rankings, but I still try to focus on the next tournament and stay true to myself,” he said.

“Winning a European Tour event is obviously an amazing feeling, but I also know how quickly things can go the other way. That’s why my main motivation is to keep staying at that level.”

Two of the most prominent talents on the PDC, their rivalry goes back to the Development Tour. In 2024, both him and Wessel Nijman shared spots one and two in the Order of Merit and were regularly picking up titles.

They have since transferred that to the main tour. Especially Nijman who has exploded this year. Despite it only being May, he has already taken home six ProTour titles. That includes a whopping five floor titles and the European Darts Trophy.

It is set to be a tantalising fixture between two very talented darters. “I think we both know what the other is capable of. Like you mentioned, the Development Tour was a really nice battle between us,” Springer commented.

“Of course, maybe he has a bit of an advantage right now with his current form, but that motivates me a bit. I’m looking forward to tomorrow and I’ll try not to make it easy for him.”

Nijman has been on the tour slightly longer than Springer. This inspires him to reach the level that Nijman is achieving. “Yes, definitely. I think he’s been on tour one or two years longer than me, so he’s been able to gather more experience. But the way Wessel is playing is phenomenal — you really have to take your hat off to him. Still, I’d like to beat him tomorrow.”

After the first two matches, half the number of German darters competing were out. This put the pressure on Springer to continue waving the flag before reigning champion Martin Schindler enters the fray in the second round.

“In general, I’m definitely very happy to have made it through. But I wouldn’t say it depends on how the others performed. I try to focus more on myself. Ultimately, I want to go far in the tournament. Of course, it’s a shame when other Germans go out, but it’s not something I use as extra motivation to win.”