Niko Springer is still in strong form. On Tuesday, the German World Cup participant missed a thick darts surprise against world champion Luke Littler.
Niko Springer had to give up 5: 6 at the fifth Players championship tournament of the year in Leicester in the first round in the Decider. The 24-year-old played a world-class average of 105.25. Littler, on the other hand, held 102.02 points per recording.
Springer had recently caused a sensation at the UK Open. The “Meenzer Bub” played 115.92 points on average in the 6-2 win against Norwegian Cor Dekker and thus ensured a German TV, stage and major record.
Now Springer once again showed the great potential. Springer had been able to secure the Tour Card on the Development Tour last year.
Darts: Lukas Little as the best German in the round of 16
Incidentally, the best German darts professional was Lukas at the fifth Players championship tournament of the season. The 30-year-old made it to Siegen against Karel Sedlacek (6: 4), Michael Smith (6: 3) and Ross Smith (6: 4) to the round of 16. Little was lost here with 2: 6 against Michael van Gerwen.
Max Hopp, Florian Hempel, Dominik Grüllich and Martin Schindler each reached the second round in Leicester.
For Gabriel Clemens, Ricardo Pietreczko, Leon Weber, Kai Gotthardt, Maximilian Czerwinski and Springer, on the other hand, it was ended at the start.
Darts: Cullen with the day victory
Meanwhile, Joe Cullen secured the day victory. The “rock star” prevailed in the final with 8: 7 against the Dutch Gian van Veen.
World champion Littler meanwhile made it into the semi -finals, here Van Veen was defeated 6: 7 in the legs. Already on Wednesday, Leicester continues with the sixth Players championship tournament.