'Hopefully in the future I will win one of these titles' - Niko Springer falls just short in first European Tour final

Niko Springer came agonisingly close to claiming his first European Tour title on Sunday evening, but the 24-year-old German was narrowly beaten 8–6 by Jonny Clayton in the final at Autotron Rosmalen. Despite the loss, Springer climbs an impressive 17 places in the PDC Order of Merit, moving up to 76th in the world.

While his maiden big-stage title just slipped through his fingers, Springer can reflect on a hugely impressive run at the Dutch Darts Championship — one that saw him become only the fourth German ever to reach a European Tour final.

Springer’s journey in Rosmalen began all the way back in the Tour Card Holder Qualifier, where he needed three wins just to book his spot in the main event. Once there, he never looked back. He battled past Jermaine Wattimena and third seed Stephen Bunting to secure a place on the final day.

On Sunday, Springer’s momentum continued with victories over fellow countrymen Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko, before he knocked out home crowd favourite Wessel Nijman in the semi-finals — underlining his growing reputation as one of the sport’s most exciting young prospects.