Young German darts player has Dutchman as youth idol: 'I was very fascinated by him during the 2016 World Championship'

Niko Springer made two appearances on the Euro Tour at the beginning of the year. He did not fail to impress in his appearances.

The German reached the third round of the International Darts Open after defeating Jermaine Wattimena and Brendan Dolan. At the German Darts Championship he bowed out in the first round.

Springer also played on the PDC Development Tour in 2022. That circuit was one of his goals for this season. ''My goal this year is to reach the PDC World Youth Championship. This is already 95 per cent achieved'', he says in an interview with Dartsnews.de.

''In addition, I want to sell myself well in the Super League (qualifying tournament for the Germans to take part in the World Championship, ed.) and see where the journey takes me.''

To achieve this, the German will increase his practice work in the run-up to these tournaments. Currently, he practices three days a week, two to five hours each. "In fact, I never practice alone, so I have regular sparring partners. With them I try to go through all the important aspects.''

One of his regular practice partners is Max Hopp: "I get on well with Max Hopp. We got to know each other in Super League 2021 and practice together from time to time.''

In addition, he works on his fitness: ''I don't have any special activities to relax from darts. However, I try to create a balance by jogging more often to build up an important condition."

The 22-year-old also reveals how he got into darts. ''I started playing darts in 2016. Before that I played football, but had to stop because of an injury. Coincidentally, at that time the World Championships took place, which really got me into this sport."

Springer reveals that he has a particular favourite player. "Jelle Klaasen. I was already very fascinated by him at the 2016 World Championship. That hasn't changed until today."

Finally, Springer has some tips for newcomers to darts. "Especially in the beginning, it is important not to rush and not to give up too quickly. You have to know that everything takes time, step by step. Believe in yourself, be disciplined and go to your limit and beyond. I would also do mental exercises right at the start, in addition to 'normal' training, to improve and stabilise your game in the long run. The move to a darts club is very good, because there are always warm people there who will give you valuable tips."