Video Interview: | 'I wouldn’t have stood a chance without a painkiller' - Niko Springer fights his way into round two despite health problems

Battling Through Illness

Springer’s standout performance was all the more impressive given his physical condition. After reaching the final in Rosmalen the previous weekend, the 24-year-old was struggling with illness in the run-up to Leverkusen.

“I was definitely limited,” he revealed. “This morning, I wouldn’t have stood a chance without a painkiller. I also took an allergy tablet — hay fever is a real issue for me at the moment. I inherited that from my mother. It wasn’t easy, but friends have told me that sometimes playing under the weather can free you up mentally. So I just thought, whatever — I’m going to the board, I want to win, and I’ll do everything I can. Either it works or it doesn’t.”

Springer found extra motivation from the presence of family and fellow players in the crowd, including his parents, sister, and German darts colleagues Lukas Wenig and Maximilian Czerwinski.

“It’s amazing,” Springer said. “To have my parents, my sister, my friends all here supporting me, taking it all in — it means the world to me. It makes me proud, especially when things go this well. That was a huge moment. We’ll celebrate a little tonight.”

Dobey Awaits in Round Two

Springer now faces a formidable test in round two: Chris Dobey. But the German approaches the match with confidence and belief.

“We know each other from the Pro Tour — he’s not an unfamiliar face,” Springer explained. “I’ve played him once and won. That gives me a good feeling going into the match. With the support I’ve got here, I feel like I can only win. I hope the performance will be better than today’s.”

From Rosmalen to Recognition

Springer’s recent run to the final in Rosmalen may have surprised many — but not the man himself.

“It’s hard to explain. In the end, I just played the way I do in practice,” said the Mainz native. “It might sound strange, but it wasn’t a surprise to me. Of course, reaching a final at a tournament like that, especially abroad, is always special. But for me, it was more a confirmation that I’m on the right path. I’ve had that feedback from great players like Raymond van Barneveld, and that makes me proud. This was the first time I could really show it on stage.”

Despite the momentum, Springer stressed the importance of rest and recovery after a demanding stretch.

“I spent the last few days in bed, resting and not throwing at all,” he said. “Now I won’t do much either — I said I’d celebrate a bit, but honestly, I’m probably heading straight to bed to be fresh for tomorrow.”

Asked whether he could have imagined a better start to life as a professional, Springer remained grounded.

“I’m always very self-critical,” he said. “I know I can do better. But I also think it’s good sometimes to take a step back, slow down, and let things happen. I have absolutely no complaints — the first few months have been fantastic. I expect more of myself, of course. But it’s important to take it all in, learn, and grow. That’s why I’m here — and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”