Patrik Kovacs (Photo by Sebastian Doppstadt/PDC Europe)
Patrik Kovacs and Marcel Hausotter headlined the celebrations on the opening day of the 2026 German Darts Grand Prix, as a host of big names suffered early exits in Munich.
Day One of the year’s fourth European Tour event saw 16 opening round matches take place at the Zenith, with Kovacs producing the biggest shock result on Saturday afternoon.
Kovacs – who was without a victory on the European Tour in his last seven attempts – defeated former Masters champion Joe Cullen to win his first ever game on the circuit.
“It’s unbelievable!” Kovacs joyously explained after victory, who now sets up a round two tie against former European Champion Ross Smith.
“I tried to play my game, I was really nervous, it’s incredible to win here.
“Joe [Cullen] didn’t play his best game, and I hit my doubles, I’m really happy.”
The 29-year-old became the first Hungarian to win on the European Tour outside of his home country, winning four legs on the spin to beat Cullen 6-3.
“It’s the first time I have won a game on the European Tour; it was my dream to win a game here.”
Elsewhere, Hausotter produced yet another incredible upset in Munich, as the Host Nation Qualifier dispatched of five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld 6-4.
The 34-year-old, who has picked up two PDC Europe NEXT GEN titles in the past, won three legs on the spin to seal victory over the Dutchman, the first of the three won with a brilliant bullseye checkout.
Hausotter will now face Jonny Clayton in Sunday evening’s action, as the German looks to cause another massive upset at the German Darts Grand Prix.
Peter Wright was one of three high-profile names to exit in Munich, as Wessel Nijman’s round one defeat to Andrew Gilding made it back to-back opening round defeats for the Dutchman on the European Tour.
Gilding – who had won the pairs last two previous meetings – continued his fine form against Nijman, as the 55-year-old completed a 6-4 victory with a fabulous 140 checkout to end the hopes of Nijman securing his fourth ranking title of 2026.
Cameron Menzies was another big-name casualty, as Czechia-star Karel Sedlacek denied the Scot of a place in the second round, as Sedlacek secured a 6-4 victory to set up a tie with Australian number one Damon Heta.
Former European Champion Ritchie Edhouse also booked his place in round two, as the Englishman defeated the returning Kevin Troppmann, and will now play Danny Noppert Sunday.
European Darts Trophy semi-finalist Niels Zonneveld continued his fine form into Munich, dispatching of debutant Adam Lipscombe 6-3, and will face his Dutch compatriot, Jermaine Wattimena.
Irish duo William O’Connor and Brendan Dolan also recorded first round victories in Munich over Sebastian Bialecki and Cor Dekker respectively, O’Connor sealing the victory with phenomenal 170 finish.
O’Connor will have a chance to beat Gian van Veen Sunday evening, whilst Dolan sets up an interesting tie against German number one Martin Schindler on home soil.
The Irishman was not the only one reeling in the big fish this evening, as Kevin Doets joined in on the action, pinning his 170 in the first leg of the match on his way to a 6-0 victory over Anton Ostlund.
Former World Champion Michael Smith kicked off the evening session with a convincing 6-2 victory over James Hurrell, whilst Dirk van Duijvenbode followed shortly after beating Stephen Burton by the same scoreline.
Ryan Joyce sets up a tantalising tie in round two with Josh Rock, as the Geordie beat Host Nation Qualifier Finn Behrens 6-1, whilst Polish number one Krzysztof Ratajski will play Ryan Searle after his 6-3 victory over Thomas Lovely.
German duo Ricardo Pietreczko and Niko Springer completed the round two line-up, as the pair beat Ian White and Jan Schmidt 6-5 and 6-3, respectively.
Springer will look for a spot in Finals Day tomorrow, as the young star takes on Michael van Gerwen, whereas Pietrecko will test his trade against former World Matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall.
Sunday’s double session will see the top 16 players on the PDC Werner Rankings Ladder enter the fray, with Van Veen, Van Gerwen and Clayton amongst the star attractions at the Zenith.
RESULTS
Round One
William O’Connor 6-2 Sebastian Bialecki
Ryan Joyce 6-1 Finn Behrens
Krzysztof Ratajski 6-3 Thomas Lovely
Niels Zonneveld 6-3 Adam Lipscombe
Karel Sedlacek 6-4 Cameron Menzies
Ritchie Edhouse 6-3 Kevin Troppmann
Andrew Gilding 6-4 Wessel Nijman
Patrik Kovacs 6-3 Joe Cullen
Michael Smith 6-2 James Hurrell
Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-2 Stephen Burton
Brendan Dolan 6-5 Cor Dekker
Kevin Doets 6-0 Anton Ostlund
Marcel Hausotter 6-4 Raymond van Barneveld
Kim Huybrechts 6-3 Peter Wright
Ricardo Pietreczko 6-5 Ian White
Niko Springer 6-5 Jan Schmidt
