Nathan Aspinall (Photo PDC)
Nathan Aspinall produced a brilliant performance to kickstart his bid to reclaim his title in Leverkusen, as Jan Schmidt’s memorable weekend continued at the European Darts Open.
Reigning European Darts Open champion Aspinall opened his campaign in Germany with a staggering 6-1 victory over Mickey Mansell, which saw the Stockport star average over 107 on his way to victory.
Aspinall started the contest with a 14-dart hold, before dropping his only leg of the contest to Mansell.
The 34-year-old, who has already won a European Tour title this year in Munich, claimed the lead once again with a 12-darter, before winning four legs on the spin in five visits, the last being another 12-dart leg to wrap up proceedings.
“People keep thinking I’ve retired!” Aspinall joked, as the former World Matchplay champion made his return to the European Tour stage.
“Mickey played well, but I felt so relaxed tonight. I think the thought of watching England later made me relax.
“It’s a great win and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.
“I knew I had a tough game in Mickey, he plays his way but it didn’t affect me, I’m just very happy with the win.”
Aspinall will face Ross Smith in round three tomorrow, after the former European Champion swept aside Niels Zonneveld 6-1 in the final game of the evening.
Elsewhere, Schmidt’s dream run in Leverkusen continues into the final day, as the German Host Nation Qualifier beat former World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker in a gruelling last-leg decider.
“I will take what I get, for me it’s not important who my opponent is,” Schmidt reiterated after his round two victory.
“I try to play my game, I play against the best players in the world and we’ll see tomorrow!”
The German youngster will now face James Wade in round three, after the 43-year-old beat Maik Kuivenhoven 6-4.
Day Two saw the seeded stars kick off their campaigns at the Ostermann-Arena, as top seed Gian van Veen averaged upwards of 101 in his 6-3 victory over Niko Springer.
Springer, who averaged 102 himself, failed to overcome the powerful performance from Van Veen, who looks to build on this victory to claim his first European Tour title on Sunday.
Poland’s Krzysztof Ratajski will clash with Van Veen in round three following a 6-3 victory over Max Hopp, whilst his compatriot Sebastian Bialecki also enjoyed success, beating Danny Noppert by the same scoreline.
Luke Woodhouse and Jermaine Wattimena raced into round three, as the pair enjoyed whitewash victories in the afternoon, dispatching Dragutin Horvat and Kim Huybrechts respectively.
Woodhouse will lock horns with Welshman Jonny Clayton in Sunday afternoon’s action, as Clayton beat Karel Sedlacek 6-1, whereas Wattimena will meet Ryan Joyce after the Geordie’s brilliant finishing display was too much for Stephen Bunting.
The 40-year-old beat Bunting 6-4 in the opening game of the evening, as Bunting suffered his fourth round two exit this year on the circuit.
ProTour Rankings leader Wessel Nijman enjoyed a comfortable victory to put himself in the hat for Sunday, as the Dutchman beat former World Youth Champion Bradley Brooks 6-0.
Nijman – who is the only player to win two European Tour titles this year – will face compatriot Dirk van Duijvenbode in round three, after the Dutchman beat Chris Dobey 6-2 in a convincing victory.
Five-time champion Michael van Gerwen also raced into Finals Day with a comprehensive 6-2 victory over Joe Cullen, sealed with a superb 11-darter.
Van Gerwen lit up the Leverkusen stage with a brilliant performance, converting finishes of 142 and 130 to book his place in the last 16.
The Dutchman will next face Damon Heta, who opened Day Two with a 6-4 victory over Rob Owen, as the Australian looks to make his first European Tour final since this tournament last year.
Kevin Doets completed the last 16 line-up, punishing a below-par display from German number one Martin Schindler to set up a showdown against Bialecki for a place in the quarter-finals.
RESULTS
Round Two
Afternoon Session
Damon Heta 6-4 Rob Owen
Jan Schmidt 6-5 Mike De Decker
Luke Woodhouse 6-0 Dragutin Horvat
Sebastian Bialecki 6-3 Danny Noppert
Jermaine Wattimena 6-0 Kim Huybrechts
Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-2 Chris Dobey
Wessel Nijman 6-0 Bradley Brooks
Krzysztof Ratajski 6-3 Max Hopp
Evening Session
Ryan Joyce 6-4 Stephen Bunting
James Wade 6-4 Maik Kuivenhoven
Jonny Clayton 6-1 Karel Sedlacek
Michael van Gerwen 6-2 Joe Cullen
Gian van Veen 6-3 Niko Springer
Kevin Doets 6-3 Martin Schindler
Nathan Aspinall 6-1 Mickey Mansell
Ross Smith 6-1 Niels Zonneveld
