Niko Springer advanced to the second round of the Austrian Darts Open in Graz with a 6-3 victory over Nick Kenny, but the German admitted he is far from satisfied with his performance. Despite averaging 87.7 and hitting 16 scores of 100 or more, Springer missed 19 doubles and was grateful that his Welsh opponent spurned 13 of his chances. The win sets up a tantalising clash against Wessel Nijman, who has already won six ProTour titles this year, including five floor events and the European Darts Trophy.
“I’d say I didn’t get into the match well at all. I struggled a lot and let myself get dragged down a bit by the low scoring at the start, which wasn’t very good,” Springer told Dartsnews.com after the match. “But I tried to fight my way into the game, and I think I managed to do that with the finishes.” Glimmers of quality included a magnificent 167 checkout and another ton-plus finish that proved crucial. “Definitely to some extent, yes. But I wouldn’t say that was the only key moment. I’d say the 126 finish was also important, just to show that I was still there in the match,” he explained.
Springer acknowledged that Kenny’s slower pace on the oche required extra concentration, but he refused to use it as an excuse. “I really just try to stay focused on myself. The moments where I need a bit more time, I take for myself — that’s independent of the opponent. Of course, he took a bit more time, but that’s no reason for me to look for excuses. I focus on myself, and overall things are going quite well.”
Despite his Euro Tour title in Budapest last year and a runner-up finish at the Dutch Darts Championship, Springer remains unsatisfied with his current form. “The results are definitely there, so I’m satisfied with that. But I’m still not completely happy with the way I’m playing. I think there’s still a huge amount of potential for improvement, and that’s what I’m trying to work on. Then the rest will follow naturally,” he said.
Looking ahead to his match against Nijman, Springer recalled their rivalry from the Development Tour, where they shared the top two spots in the Order of Merit in 2024. “I think we both know what the other is capable of. Like you mentioned, the Development Tour was a really nice battle between us. Of course, maybe he has a bit of an advantage right now with his current form, but that motivates me a bit. I’m looking forward to tomorrow and I’ll try not to make it easy for him.” With half of the German contingent already eliminated, Springer is carrying the flag alongside reigning champion Martin Schindler, but insists he is not using that as extra motivation. “In general, I’m definitely very happy to have made it through. But I wouldn’t say it depends on how the others performed. I try to focus more on myself. Ultimately, I want to go far in the tournament.”
