Friday night at the 2026 European Darts Grand Prix in Sindelfingen delivered a string of upsets and dramatic moments, headlined by Cameron Menzies' standout performance. Menzies averaged 104.5 in a commanding 6-3 victory over Raymond van Barneveld, flipping the match after an early deficit with relentless scoring and clinical finishing to take full control.
Jeffrey de Zwaan also claimed a notable win, punishing a below-par Peter Wright to seal a 6-3 victory and send the former world champion out at the first hurdle. Kim Huybrechts impressed in a 6-3 win over Dirk van Duijvenbode, with an early break proving decisive in a contest that never swung back in the Dutchman's favour.
The evening began with a deciding-leg thriller as Michael Unterbuchner edged past William O'Connor 6-5, sealing just his second career Euro Tour stage win and setting up a clash with Michael van Gerwen. Joe Cullen progressed comfortably, dispatching Maik Kuivenhoven 6-1 in a one-sided affair, while Damon Heta came through a scrappy, break-heavy contest against Madars Razma, winning 6-4 despite neither player holding throw consistently.
Oskar Lukasiak secured his first Euro Tour stage win in dramatic fashion, needing ten match darts to close out a tense 6-5 victory over Daryl Gurney. Match statistics showed Gurney averaged 77.8 with 15 100+ throws, 3 140+ throws, 0 180s, a highest checkout of 84, 0 checkout 100+, and a checkout percentage of 35.71 (5/14), while Lukasiak averaged 82.37 with 12 100+ throws, 10 140+ throws, 1 180, a highest checkout of 108, 1 checkout 100+, and a checkout percentage of 26.09 (6/21).
Niko Springer closed the session with a convincing 6-1 victory over Robin Masino, pulling away after an early exchange and sealing progression with a 66 finish in a dominant display against the debutant.
