The Flanders Darts Trophy is the 10th Euro Tour event of the season, leading up to the European Darts Championship in October, where the top 32 players on the Euro Tour qualify. Some big names like Jermaine Wattimena, Michael Smith, and Raymond van Barneveld are fighting to secure their spots.
Key Matches and Players to Watch:
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Jermaine Wattimena vs. Leon Weber
Wattimena (“The Machine Gun”) is currently 30th on the Euro Tour Order of Merit, narrowly ahead of the 32nd place cutoff. A strong run here could secure his European Championship qualification. Weber, a relative newcomer with limited Euro Tour experience, will be a tough first-round opponent but Wattimena is favored. -
Dylan Slevin vs. Francois Schweyen (Host Nation Qualifier)
Schweyen, a Belgian hopeful, is trying to advance past the first round for the first time. Slevin, an Irish player making his Euro Tour debut this year, has less experience, making this an open contest. -
Luke Woodhouse vs. Johan Engstrom
Woodhouse is a Euro Tour regular and last year reached a semi-final, while Engstrom has yet to get past the opening round this season. Woodhouse is the clear favorite. -
Lukas Wenig vs. Kim Huybrechts (Host Nation Qualifier)
Both players have struggled to advance beyond the first round this year. Huybrechts, with home support, has a slight edge, but this match could go either way. -
Krzysztof Ratajski vs. Steve Lennon
Ratajski has made deeper runs this year, including a quarterfinal in Munich, and is expected to be the favorite against Lennon, who has had a tough season. -
Cameron Menzies vs. Christian Kist
Menzies, who throws fast, faces Kist, a slower-paced Dutch player. Menzies has twice reached European Tour quarterfinals this year and should be favored. -
Andrew Gilding vs. Mensur Suljovic
Gilding, winner of the European Darts Grand Prix this year, is the overwhelming favorite against Suljovic, who has struggled recently. -
Gian van Veen vs. Adam Gawlas
Van Veen, ranked 21st on the Order of Merit and finalist in Munich earlier this year, faces Gawlas, who is not in good form this season. Van Veen should advance but can’t underestimate his opponent.
Notable Player Details:
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Kim Huybrechts: £1,627,208 career earnings, 6 nine-darters, 13 years on tour, highest TV average 121.97.
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Cameron Menzies: £382,950 career earnings, 3 nine-darters, 3 years on tour, highest average 114.58, Grand Slam quarterfinal in 2024.
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Gian van Veen: £498,927 career earnings, 1 nine-darter, 2 years on tour, highest average 115.92.
