Friday night at the 2026 European Darts Grand Prix in Sindelfingen delivered a string of upsets and standout performances, headlined by Cameron Menzies' commanding 6-3 victory over Raymond van Barneveld. Menzies averaged 104.5, flipping the match after an early deficit with relentless scoring and clinical finishing to take full control. Earlier, Jeffrey de Zwaan punished a below-par Peter Wright, sealing a 6-3 win by capitalizing on missed doubles to send the former world champion out at the first hurdle.
Kim Huybrechts also impressed with a 6-3 win over Dirk van Duijvenbode, where an early break proved decisive in a contest that never swung back in the Dutchman's favor. The evening began with a deciding-leg thriller as Michael Unterbuchner edged past William O'Connor 6-5, securing 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.
Damon Heta came through a scrappy, break-heavy contest against Madars Razma, winning 6-4 despite neither player holding throw consistently. The most dramatic finish saw Oskar Lukasiak secure his first Euro Tour stage win, 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, and a 35.71% checkout percentage, while Lukasiak averaged 82.37 with 12 100+ throws, 10 140+ throws, 1 180, and a 26.09% checkout percentage, including a highest checkout of 108.
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.
