Michael van Gerwen fought back to avoid an upset as he edged past Germany’s Niko Springer in the second round of the European Trophy in Gottingen.
Having been 3-0 and 5-3 down, two-time champion Van Gerwen turned things around to triumph 6-5 and will now face Gian van Veen – a 6-4 victor over Josh Rock – in the last 16.
He said in quotes on pdc.tv: “We all know how good Niko Springer is and I had to fight really hard.
MVG WITH THE GREAT ESCAPE!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 22, 2025
Michael van Gerwen did not lead at any point during that game until the end, as the Dutchman took out a brilliant 14-darter against throw to beat Niko Springer 6-5 in a last-leg decider!
📺 https://t.co/YyBPPwoMK8 #ET2 pic.twitter.com/7ugcYZSW4K
“I had to battle and that gives me energy – but I think there’s a lot more in the tank. I’m going to make sure I keep my focus.”
Luke Humphries saw off Boris Krcmar 6-4 after the Croatian battled back from 3-0 down to draw level.
World number one Humphries said: “I thought he played really well and I had to pull out some of my best stuff.
“I’m playing OK but I’m not getting results. It wasn’t my best performance but I love the European Tour – I really feel up for it this weekend, I really want to prove something to myself and go on a decent run.”
HUMPHRIES DEFEATS KRCMAR!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 22, 2025
Luke Humphries is victorious here in Gottingen as he beats Boris Krcar 6-4, with the world number one finishing the game with a brilliant 134 checkout!
📺 https://t.co/YyBPPwoMK8 #ET2 pic.twitter.com/7SzXUM2dJp
Humphries’ third round opponent is Michael Smith, who defeated Ricardo Pietreczko 6-2.
German number one Martin Schindler powered past Jonny Clayton 6-1, and Jermaine Wattimena recorded 111.07, the second-highest average of his career, as he beat Chris Dobey 6-4.
Those making safe progress also included Rob Cross, Dave Chisnall, Gerwyn Price, Nathan Aspinall and Gary Anderson, victors over Andrew Gilding, Ricky Evans, Ryan Searle, Ritchie Edhouse and Luke Woodhouse respectively.
As well as Clayton, Dobey and Rock, Peter Wright was among the seeds bowing out, losing 6-4 to Mike De Decker.
