Michael van Gerwen mocked his opponent Michael Unterbuchner after defeating him 6-2 at the European Darts Grand Prix on Saturday night.
The Dutchman had a good start in the tournament in Sindelfingen and is looking for his third win before addressing Friday’s comments from his German opponent.
Unterbuchner shocked William O’Connor in the first round and then joked, “Who is that?” When asked about playing against Van Gerwen.
But the three-time world champion was unimpressed, saying: “He’s one of those guys who tries to be funny.
“He’s never beaten me in his life and he’ll never beat me in his life. He’s not good enough. Even my B game and C game beat him, but who cares?”
He added: “The day I worry about Unterbuchner is the day I stop playing darts.”
Nico Springer will face Danny Knoppert after defeating Gary Anderson
Van Gerwen will face Jermaine Wattimena in the last 16 on Saturday afternoon, with the Dutchman averaging 99 points in his win over Kevin Deutz.
In the biggest shock of the tournament so far, Nico Springer ousted reigning champion Gary Anderson.
The Scotsman recorded a checkout of more than two tons, but it wasn’t enough as Germany’s Springer won convincingly 6-3. He will now face Danny Knoppert, who survived the scare that sank Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak.
The day’s performance came from Premier League leader Jonny Clayton, who averaged 106.78 power and won 6-1 against Latvia’s Bartels Merdelis.
The Welshman came out of the blocks with legs of 13, 11 and 11 darts and threatened a nine-dart finish towards the end of the contest.
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Michael Bridge and Chris Murphy discuss who is the best Dutch darts player of all time on Love The Darts
Wessel Nijman also averaged more than 104 points in a 6-2 win over Ryan Searle in Sindelfingen. Nyman will continue his challenge for his second European Tour title in 2026, against seventh-seeded Stephen Bunting, who beat Mickey Mansell 6-3 and achieved a 75 percent double success rate.
However, top seed Jan van Veen suffered an early exit at the hands of Joe Cullen, with a mid-match explosion propelling him into the European Tour’s last 16 for the first time in 12 months.
James Wade averaged 104.15 points, ending a five-game losing streak on the European Tour and helping a resurgent Kim Hybrecht book a matchup with Nathan Aspinall in the third round.
Aspinall began his bid for a consecutive European Tour title with a 6-1 overall victory, including a 170th place finish at the expense of Geoffrey de Zwaan.
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Darts referee Hugh Weir has revealed his thoughts on the crowd whistles during the European Darts Grand Prix. Video credit: @OfficialPDC
Gerwyn Price averaged 99.71 points and fired five 180s to beat Dave Chisnall and set up a showdown with Chris Dobbie, who dominated last year’s runner-up Andrew Gilding.
Martin Schindler advanced to the last 16 with fellow countryman Springer, defying a slow start to hold off Australian number one Damon Heta and set up an enthralling battle with Creighton.
Josh Lock and Ross Smith will also be in action on final day following their 6-3 wins over Kean Barry and Cameron Menzies respectively.
Krzysztof Ratajski will face Cullen for a spot in the quarter-finals after punishing Mike de Dekker for a poor double play.
The European Darts Grand Prix will culminate on Sunday with the final 16 players meeting in the afternoon before the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final will be held in a lively evening session.
2026 Erten Safety Shoes European Darts Grand Prix: Saturday Results
Saturday, April 18th
round 2
Afternoon session (13:00 local time, 12:00 BST)
Krzysztof Ratajski 6-4 Mike de Dekker
Jermaine Wattimena 6-3 Kevin Deutz
Vessel Nyman 6-2 Ryan Searle
Danny Knoppert 6-5 Oscar Lukasiak
Chris Dobie 6-2 Andrew Gilding
Nico Springer 6-3 Gary Anderson
Stephen Bunting 6 – 3 Mickey Mansell
Josh Locke 6-3 Keene Barry
Evening session (19:00 local time, 18:00 BST)
Ross Smith 6-3 Cameron Menzies
Gerwyn Price 6 – 4 Dave Chisnall
Nathan Aspinall 6-1 Jeffrey de Zwaan
James Wade 6-3 Kim Huybrecht
Joe Cullen 6-3 Jan van Veen
Michael van Gerwen 6-2 Michael Unterbuchner
Martin Schindler 6-5 Damon Heta
Johnny Clayton 6-1 Valters Merdelis
2026 Erten Safety Shoes European Darts Grand Prix: Sunday Schedule
Afternoon session (12:00)
Joe Cullen v Krzysztof Ratajski
Danny Knoppert v Nico Springer
James Wade v Nathan Aspinall
Josh Locke v Ross Smith
Michael van Gerwen vs Jermaine Wattimena
Stephen Bunting v Wessel Nyman
Johnny Clayton v Martin Schindler
Gerwyn Price v Chris Dobie
Evening session (6pm)
quarterfinals
Semi-final
final
Who will win this year’s Premier League Darts? Luke Humphries will defend his title and the fight can be seen on Sky Sports every Thursday until May. Stream darts and other top sports now.
