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Niko Springer came agonisingly close to claiming his first European Tour title on Sunday evening, but the 24-year-old German was narrowly beaten 8–6 by Jonny Clayton in the final at Autotron Rosmalen. Despite the loss, Springer climbs an impressive 17 places in the PDC Order of Merit, moving up to 76th in the world.
While his maiden big-stage title just slipped through his fingers, Springer can reflect on a hugely impressive run at the Dutch Darts Championship — one that saw him become only the fourth German ever to reach a European Tour final.
Springer’s journey in Rosmalen began all the way back in the Tour Card Holder Qualifier, where he needed three wins just to book his spot in the main event. Once there, he never looked back. He battled past Jermaine Wattimena and third seed Stephen Bunting to secure a place on the final day.
On Sunday, Springer’s momentum continued with victories over fellow countrymen Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko, before he knocked out home crowd favourite Wessel Nijman in the semi-finals — underlining his growing reputation as one of the sport’s most exciting young prospects.
“I think in the beginning I started strongly, but to be honest, Jonny came back very well,” Springer said after the final. The three-time Development Tour winner was both realistic and determined in his post-match comments. “I was under a lot of pressure. This was my first [senior] final, and I will learn a lot from this."
“I’m very happy with the way I performed. It’s a huge achievement for me," the German added. "Hopefully in the future I will win one of these titles.”
The European Tour rolls on this coming weekend with the European Darts Open in Leverkusen. Dave Chisnall will be back to defend his title, having beaten Ross Smith in last year’s final.
CLAYTON IS THE CHAMPION!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) May 25, 2025
Jonny Clayton claims his first European Tour title in over two years at the Dutch Darts Championship!
The Welshman came from behind to beat Niko Springer 8-6 in the final.#ET7 pic.twitter.com/gmaBf0aTal
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