Niko Springer sent out a real statement at the Austrian Darts Open, whitewashing the currently hottest Pro Tour player, Wessel Nijman, 6-0 in the second round. The German played like a man possessed, especially in the first five legs, operating at world-class level and barely letting his opponent breathe.
Springer, who has known Nijman for years from the Development Tour, had great respect for his form curve this season. “I’ve known Wessel for a bit longer, especially from the Development Tour. They were always high-quality games. Looking at the year, he’s still the player of the year. That’s why I knew what was coming and what I had to play,” Springer explained after the match to DartsNews.
The 25-year-old made a perfect start and took his chances right away, while Nijman initially never got going. “I’d say I got into it really well. I took my chances at the start, and he maybe didn’t settle the way he would’ve liked. I benefited from that a bit, and it gave me confidence mid-match. Fortunately, I got the job done.” After five legs, Springer was averaging around 110, yet he still sees room for improvement. “I’d definitely say my game can go a lot higher. I haven’t seen the stats yet, but I back myself to do more. But of course I’m very happy for now.”
Springer also wanted to prove he can produce this level against elite opponents. When asked how it felt to finally deliver such a performance on the big stage, he said with a grin: “To be honest, it didn’t really feel like that. When you’re locked in, you try to block everything else out. Hearing it now does feel good, especially compared to yesterday. I’d say that was clearly worse.” Despite the clear lead, he stayed focused, knowing how dangerous Nijman can be. “Sure, when you’re 5-0 up and the finish line is in sight, you still know what he can produce. If he really gets into it at the end, it can still swing.” He admitted he wasn’t thinking about a whitewash, but missed match darts annoyed him: “It’s not just yesterday that I missed at least three darts for it. Sure, it’s annoying, because it contradicts the feeling of the game a bit. But in the end, the win is what counts.”
Now Springer faces Josh Rock in the last 16, a monumental task. “If only it were that easy,” Springer laughed. “I think against Josh Rock it’ll be a completely different game again. He plays in the Premier League and is already one of the best players in the world. I know I have to play to a similar level—if not raise it again. I’m very confident.”
