Dutch Darts Championship: Michael van Gerwen suffers another early exit as Gian van Veen makes history and Gerwyn Price triumphs on return

18.10.2026, 02:35 skysports.com

Dutch favourite Michael van Gerwen suffered a shock second-round exit at the Dutch Darts Championship on Saturday, losing 6-5 to Irishman William O'Connor.

The defeat extends Van Gerwen's poor run of form, having lost his opening match at four European Tour events this season before arriving in Maastricht: the European Darts Trophy, German Darts Grand Prix, Flanders Darts Trophy and Swiss Darts Trophy. It marks his most first-round exits in a single season since the tour began in 2012.

O'Connor produced a superb display, firing in three ton-plus checkouts of 136, 131 and 121 to seal his victory and book his place in round three.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Gerwyn Price's return to the stage ended in glory as he beat Scott Williams 6-3, while Gian van Veen broke the European Tour record average.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Martin Schindler and Stephen Bunting also jumped into the qualification spots for Dortmund.

Van Veen averaged a staggering 120.24 in whitewashing Sebastian Bialecki, breaking the previous record of 118.66 by Dave Chisnall.

Schindler sealed his spot at the European Championships later this month with his victory over Karel Sedlacek.

Dutch Darts Championship schedule and results as Michael van Gerwen knocked out early in PDC event in Maastricht

Darts 2026 schedule and dates: Premier League, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix and more with Luke Littler in action

Mensur Suljovic referred to darts regulator for inciting jeers against Ross Smith and alleged sexist comments as Austrian issues apology

Swiss Darts Trophy: Ross Smith vows 'karma' will catch up with Mensur Suljovic after Austrian encourages boos

Mensur Suljovic encourages boos during Ross Smith's match darts

Swiss Darts Trophy: Michael van Gerwen's nightmare year goes from bad to worse as he exits tournament while Stephen Bunting is dethroned

Bunting left it late to secure his place at the European Championship, beating already-qualified Cameron Menzies 6-2 to book his spot. The former Masters champion needed a strong finish to get over the line.

The 41-year-old pinned six out of ten attempts at the outer ring in his victory over the Scot, and jumped into the qualifying places, knocking Kim Huybrechts out of the running.

Brendan Dolan remains the only player capable of pushing Sedlacek out of the European Championship qualifying spots after beating Heine Uuldriks 6-4. The Northern Irishman had led 4-1 before being pegged back.

Nathan Aspinall ended Michael Smith's hopes of qualifying for Dortmund with a dominant 6-1 victory. The World Grand Prix semi-finalist averaged over 102 to dispatch the former world champion.

Wessel Nijman and Danny Noppert also secured their places in Sunday's action, with the Dutch pair defeating Jeffrey De Graaf and Dave Chisnall respectively.

Niels Zonneveld edged a last-leg decider against Krzysztof Ratajski, hitting seven maximums for the second consecutive match to book his place in round three. Fellow Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena also progressed, beating Host Nation Qualifier Jimmy van Schie 6-2.

European Tour ranking leader Ross Smith will face Ryan Searle in round three after overcoming Ryan Joyce and Dirk van Duijvenbode respectively.

Damon Heta averaged over 103 in a dominant 6-1 victory over Jonny Clayton, securing his first win against the Welshman since May last year.

Luke Woodhouse also booked his place in Sunday's action with a comfortable victory over Andrew Gilding.

Cristo Reyes brought the evening's action to a close in style, averaging over 110 in a 6-2 win against Chris Dobey while converting 60 per cent of his attempts at double.

The Dutch Darts Championship concludes with a bumper double session on Sunday, as the final 16 players battle it out for the title in Maastricht.

All times UK and Ireland

Round three (12pm)Gian van Veen vs Brendan DolanRyan Searle vs Ross SmithWilliam O'Connor vs Luke WoodhouseDanny Noppert vs Jermaine WattimenaGerwyn Price vs Niels ZonneveldWessel Nijman vs Cristo ReyesDamon Heta vs Martin SchindlerStephen Bunting vs Nathan Aspinall

Evening session (6pm)Quarter-finalsSemi-finalsFinal

Round twoMartin Schindler 6-4 Karel SedlacekWessel Nijman 6-3 Jeffrey De GraafLuke Woodhouse 6-1 Andrew GildingRoss Smith 6-2 Ryan JoyceDanny Noppert 6-4 Dave ChisnallRyan Searle 6-5 Dirk van DuijvenbodeBrendan Dolan 6-4 Heine UuldriksNiels Zonneveld 6-5 Krzysztof RatajskiGerwyn Price 6-3 Scott WilliamsJermaine Wattimena 6-2 Jimmy van SchieStephen Bunting 6-2 Cameron MenziesGian van Veen 6-0 Sebastian BialeckiWilliam O'Connor 6-5 Michael van GerwenDamon Heta 6-1 Jonny ClaytonNathan Aspinall 6-1 Michael SmithCristo Reyes 6-2 Chris Dobey

Round oneKarel Sedlacek 6-4 Callan RydzCameron Menzies 6-1 Nick KennyJeffrey de Graaf 6-3 Mickey MansellDave Chisnall 6-4 Jonas MasalinAndrew Gilding 6-5 Max HoppRyan Joyce 6-0 Owen BatesHeine Uuldriks 6-5 Ricardo PietreczkoDirk van Duijvenbode 6-1 James HurrellSebastian Bialecki 6-4 Daryl GurneyWilliam O'Connor 6-2 Richard VeenstraScott Williams 6-5 Niko SpringerNiels Zonneveld 6-4 Mike De DeckerJimmy van Schie 6-5 Kim HuybrechtsCristo Reyes 6-2 Krzysztof KciukDamon Heta 6-4 Maikel VerberkMichael Smith 6-5 Stephen Burton

Sky Sports is the home of darts with the Grand Slam of Darts (November 14-22) and World Darts Championship (December 11-January 3) live. Stream darts and more through NOW.