Niko Springer seals maiden European Tour title at the Hungarian Darts Trophy
Niko Springer secured his first PDC ranking title at the Hungarian Darts Trophy courtesy of a nail-biting deciding-leg win over Danny Noppert in the final.
Springer, who came into the event as an unseeded qualifier, defeated six of the world’s top 20 players to clinch a landmark triumph in Budapest.
The 25-year-old opened up with a 6-3 success over Gian van Veen on Friday, defying a 105 average from the Dutchman, before demolishing Damon Heta 6-1 on Saturday.
The German star then defeated two former World Champions in Rob Cross and Luke Humphries, landing successive 11-darters to see off the world number one.
Springer then survived a match dart in his 7-6 win over Josh Rock in the semi-finals, landing 170 checkout against the World Cup of Darts winner to reach his second European Tour final of the year.
Noppert started the final strongly, establishing a 4-2 lead, but Springer rallied back and levelled proceedings at five apiece courtesy of a 120 checkout.
The duo continued to exchange breaks of throw as Noppert edged back in front before Springer replied with a 76 checkout for parity.
A last dart double ten handed Springer a timely lead at 7-6 and after Noppert converted that same double to force a decider, the German landed his third maximum en route to a 14-darter to seal glory.
“I’m over the moon to be honest,” reflected Springer, who is only in his first season as a PDC Tour Card holder.
“I took my chances, so I’m very happy – I can’t believe it.
“You can see that the crowd is amazing, they were supporting me and I think I did a good job.”
The £30,000 top prize moves Springer in to the provisional qualification places for next month’s World Grand Prix, as well as a potential spot in November’s Grand Slam.
The German added: “My goal was to qualify for the World Championships, and I did that some months ago, so now I can play with some freedom.
“I have nothing to lose, and I’m very happy that I won.
“I never expected to be near the World Grand Prix, but I think with the win today I’m in the race. At the moment, I’m just happy.”
Noppert survived a match dart in his opening salvo against Rob Owen, before starting Sunday by dethroning reigning champion Michael van Gerwen – who squandered four match darts in the deciding leg.
The Dutch number two then defied a 104 average from Chris Dobey, and produced a 132 checkout in a 7-4 scalp of World Champion Luke Littler to progress to his first European Tour final since 2022.
“I’m really proud of myself, I played a good weekend and I think there is more in the tank,” said Noppert.
“I think he deserved it in the end. He played a good last leg.
“I was really fighting the whole weekend and I want to thank the whole crowd. They have given me more power for the rest of the season, thank you Hungary.”
Rock reached the final four by defeating Thibault Tricole 6-3, before beating James Wade in his fifth consecutive European Tour quarter-final win.
Littler comfortably defeated German number one Martin Schindler 6-2 before receiving a bye into the semi-finals, after Gerwyn Price withdrew due to medical reasons.
World number one Luke Humphries produced the highest average of the European Tour this year (113.05) in his 6-1 demolition of Mike De Decker in the Last 16, but only to be denied by eventual champion Springer despite averaging 101 in a high quality contest.
Hungarian Darts Trophy 2025 Day Three Results
Sunday September 21
Afternoon Session
Last 16
Chris Dobey 6-5 Cameron Menzies
Michael van Gerwen 5-6 Danny Noppert
Gerwyn Price 6-2 Raymond van Barneveld
Luke Littler 6-2 Martin Schindler
James Wade 6-2 Kim Huybrechts
Thibault Tricole 3-6 Josh Rock
Rob Cross 3-6 Niko Springer
Luke Humphries 6-1 Mike De Decker
Evening Session
Quarter-Finals
Chris Dobey 2-6 Danny Noppert
Gerwyn Price 0-/wo Luke Littler
James Wade 2-6 Josh Rock
Niko Springer 6-4 Luke Humphries
Semi-Finals
Danny Noppert 7-4 Luke Littler
Niko Springer 7-6 Josh Rock
Final
Niko Springer 8-7 Danny Noppert
