Nine-dart Michael van Gerwen claims German Darts Grand Prix glory

Michael van Gerwen claimed his first ranking title of 2025 at the German Darts Grand Prix in Munich with an 8-5 win over Gian van Veen in the final on Monday.

Van Gerwen produced a string of superb performances to clinch the £30,000 top prize at the Zenith, defeating Ryan Searle, Ryan Joyce, Josh Rock and Van Veen to secure his first silverware of the season.

The Dutchman’s recent struggles have been well-documented, but he reaffirmed his credentials in sensational style to claim a fourth German Grand Prix title.

Having survived three match darts in his opening win over Kim Huybrechts on Sunday, Van Gerwen produced a magnificent nine-dart finish in his Last 16 tie against Searle, averaging 104 en route to a 6-1 demolition.

The 35-year-old then delivered a flawless display of finishing to defeat Joyce in the quarter-finals, before reeling off five straight legs to close out a thumping 7-2 semi-final win over Rock.

This set up a showdown against Dutch compatriot Van Veen in a repeat of last year’s Hungarian Trophy final, with Van Gerwen again coming out on top.

Van Veen defied a sluggish start to level up at two apiece, following up a 12-dart break with a 76 finish, which sparked a sequence of eight consecutive holds of throw.

Van Gerwen ended that streak with a 13-darter to move to the brink of victory at 7-5, and he capped off a memorable campaign by nailing double 16 to end his compatriot’s spirited resistance.

“This definitely means a lot to me,” said an emotional Van Gerwen. “We all know where I’m coming from. I’ve been battling against myself recently.

“In the last few weeks I’ve been playing poorly. I know I have it in me, but you want to show it week after week, and I also put pressure on myself.

“This means the world to me. I needed this, I really needed this.

“We all know I’m in a tough position in the Premier League, but everyone who knows me knows that I never give up. I always keep fighting.”

Van Veen was unable to land his first European Tour title just two days before celebrating his 23rd birthday, though the young Dutchman performed admirably throughout the weekend in Munich.

Having eased past Rene Eidams in Saturday’s first round, he also celebrated wins over Andrew Gilding, Martin Schindler, Ross Smith and Luke Littler to progress to his second European Tour final.

Van Veen averaged 110.8 in his inspired semi-final win over Littler, overturning a 4-3 deficit with a blistering late burst to halt the World Champion’s winning run on the European Tour.

“I’ve had a phenomenal three days,” insisted Van Veen, who climbs to a career-high of world number 23.

“Neither of us played our best game in the final. I played well on my own legs, but on Michael’s throw I didn’t perform, and he was the deserved winner.

“I’m a bit gutted to lose, but I’m really happy with second place, and hopefully my first European Tour title is coming soon!”

Littler was forced to settle for a semi-final showing on his return to European Tour action, despite kicking off his campaign with a 107 average against Cam Crabtree on Sunday.

The world number two then landed a majestic 170 checkout during his third round victory over Joe Cullen, before edging out a spirited Peter Wright in a rollercoaster quarter-final clash.

Littler was joined in the last four by in-form Rock, who followed up a 111.4 average in his 6-4 win over Gerwyn Price by denying Krzysztof Ratajski in a last-leg decider.

German Darts Grand Prix 2025 Day Three Results

Monday April 21

Afternoon Session

Last 16
Gerwyn Price 4-6 Josh Rock
Rob Cross 4-6 Krzysztof Ratajski
Ryan Joyce 6-4 Niels Zonneveld
Michael van Gerwen 6-1 Ryan Searle – *Van Gerwen hits a nine-darter*
Dave Chisnall 2-6 Ross Smith
Martin Schindler 4-6 Gian van Veen
Peter Wright 6-4 Madars Razma
Luke Littler 6-3 Joe Cullen

Evening Session

Quarter-Finals
Josh Rock 6-5 Krzysztof Ratajski
Ryan Joyce 4-6 Michael van Gerwen
Ross Smith 3-6 Gian van Veen
Peter Wright 5-6 Luke Littler

Semi-Finals
Michael van Gerwen 7-2 Josh Rock
Gian van Veen 7-4 Luke Littler

Final
Michael van Gerwen 8-5 Gian van Veen