Van Gerwen survives Nijman scare as Gurney gains revenge on Price at the European Championship

Michael van Gerwen survived a major scare from Wessel Nijman on the opening night of the European Darts Championship in Dortmund on Thursday, as Daryl Gurney ousted Gerwyn Price.

Van Gerwen looked to be heading for another early exit in a ranked major when he trailed 4-2, but only for Nijman to squander seven match darts and gift his Dutch compatriot a reprieve in a deciding leg.

The four-time European Champion seized upon Nijman’s visible nerves in the latter stages as he extended the youngster’s wait for a first head-to-head victory on a televised stage.

“It was a really good match until the last leg,” said Van Gerwen.

“Wessel was playing well but at the end he showed some nerves.

“It was a tough game but I got the win. I should have beaten him 6-4 and when you put yourself in that position it’s going to be tough.”

Meanwhile, Gurney gained his revenge on rival Price, punishing a plethora of missed doubles from the Welshman in clinching a 6-3 victory.

Price had opportunities to win eight of the nine legs but squandered a staggering 14 darts at doubles to gift Gurney victory in their first meeting since July’s feisty affair at the World Matchplay.

Stephen Bunting set an unwanted record at the European Championship, recording the highest losing average in the tournament’s history as he went down 6-3 to Chris Dobey.

Bunting averaged 109.2 but was thwarted by Dobey’s superior maximum hitting and finishing, with the Tynesider landing five 180s and six from ten on the doubles to prevail with a 105.7 average of his own.

“It’s nice to be on the winning side of a game like that for once,” said Dobey – who will now face Van Gerwen in Saturday’s second round.

“We’re both great players so you know you’ve got to be at your best to beat a player like Stephen.

“You can never rule Michael out. He’s coming back after a tough time and playing some great darts again, which is nice to see.

“I’d rather play Michael at his best because I know I’ve got to play well again like I did tonight, and I’ll be ready for him on Saturday.”

German number one Martin Schindler delighted his home crowd by recovering from 3-0 down to dump out Dave Chisnall in a last-leg decider.

Chisnall landed a 111 checkout en route to a 3-0 lead, but faltered at the finish as Schindler soared through with a 104 average to record his first win in the European Championship at the sixth time of asking.

“I’m really happy to finally get a win on this stage,” admitted Schindler.

“It was a really tough match. Dave was playing well early on, but those back-to-back 11-darters brought me back into the game.

“A 104 average and 67 per cent on the doubles. I’m really happy with that, and I need to perform like that again to have a big run at this tournament.”

Ross Smith secured his first victory on the Westfalenhallen stage since lifting the title in 2022 as he overcame two-time champion Peter Wright 6-2.

Defeat for Wright sees him provisionally drop to 30th in the PDC Order of Merit, and Smith admitted: “I’ve not won a game here since I won the title, so it’s a relief and I’m glad to get the win.

“This tournament is massive for me and I’m grateful to have my family here with me. Everyone has been fantastic and I’ve had so much support.

“I have the utmost respect for Peter. He had a good weekend in Hildesheim, but you’ve got to go up there and do your job, and I did that today.”

Former semi-finalist Gian van Veen got off and running with a 6-3 victory over Damon Heta, averaging 98.7 in the process.

Ryan Searle punished a below-par display from Jonny Clayton as he prevailed 6-3 to reach the second round for the fourth time in five years.

Ryan Joyce marked his debut in the event with a 6-3 victory over 2024 semi-finalist Luke Woodhouse with a 97 average and a high checkout of 122 to his name.

European Darts Championship 2025 Day One Results

Thursday October 23

First Round

Ryan Joyce 6-3 Luke Woodhouse
Ross Smith 6-2 Peter Wright
Gian van Veen 6-3 Damon Heta
Gerwyn Price 3-6 Daryl Gurney
Jonny Clayton 3-6 Ryan Searle
Martin Schindler 6-5 Dave Chisnall
Wessel Nijman 5-6 Michael van Gerwen
Stephen Bunting 3-6 Chris Dobey