Exclusive Interview | Dragutin Horvat hails compatriot as the future of German darts: 'He’s only had his Tour Card a few months, and he plays like he’s had it years'

Dragutin Horvat suffered defeat in his first European Tour appearance of the season. The experienced German lost 2–6 to England’s Luke Woodhouse in the opening round of the 2025 European Darts Open in Leverkusen. Despite solid scoring, his poor checkout percentage cost him the chance for more – something Horvat openly and self-critically addressed in an exclusive post-match interview with Dartsnews.de.

“Scoring-wise, I was more or less satisfied – but my finishing…”

“I had the chance to break for 3–2 after falling 0–2 behind, but I didn’t take it,” the 48-year-old began. “I didn’t make the most of it. Really simple finishes – double 16, double 8, double 4 – and I just couldn’t hit them. So I can’t complain, really.”

Big stage, big crowd – but room for improvement

Despite the result, returning to the European Tour stage was still a special moment for Horvat.

“Of course it’s always a highlight to play in front of a crowd like that – 3,000 fans, great atmosphere, the stage is set, everything’s perfect. I just need to perform a bit better – that’s all.”

Horvat approaches his career with a realistic mindset. While he’s already won a title on the Challenge Tour and impressed in the NEXT GEN series, his ambitions remain modest.

“I’m always satisfied, no matter how it goes, really. I have to be – I’m a hobby darts player. There’s no pressure, I don’t get ahead of myself. At an event like today, I show up, give it my best. If something happens, great – if not, then that’s just how it is.”

Looking ahead: “I’ll keep going as long as it’s fun”

As for whether another push for the full professional tour is on the cards, Horvat remains non-committal – and honest with himself:

“I’m pushing 50 – I know, you wouldn’t think it to look at me! (laughs) – but it’s true, and as the years go on, things naturally become less rather than more. I’m not expecting anything big. I’ll keep going as long as I’m enjoying it. As long as the motivation is there and I have the support, I’ll carry on. The future will show what’s possible.”

Praise for Schindler and Springer: “Hats off!”

Looking at the broader picture of German darts, Horvat expressed his admiration for the progress made by fellow countrymen – especially Martin Schindler and Niko Springer.

“Niko Springer has huge potential. He’s only had his Tour Card a few months, and he plays like he’s had it for ten years. And with Martin Schindler, there’s not much more to say – he’s been on a sharp upward curve for the last two years, and there’s no sign of it slowing down. For both of them – Springer and Schindler – hats off!”