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'We can always cause a shock' – De Graaf and Lukasiak fancy Sweden's chances after opening World Cup of Darts with a win

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | By Kieran Wood | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 12:51 PM ET

Jeffrey De Graaf and Oskar Lukasiak got Team Sweden off to a flying start at the 2025 World Cup of Darts, cruising to a 4–1 victory over Lithuania in their Group C opener on Thursday night in Frankfurt.

While the Swedes posted a lower average than their opponents, they were clinical when it mattered — particularly on the doubles — and now turn their attention to a decisive clash against France later this evening.
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“I’m happy with the win — let’s say it like that,” said De Graaf, who was born in the Netherlands but represents Sweden. “I hit a good 180 at the perfect time, but honestly, my scoring was a bit up and down. I was really pleased with Oskar today — he delivered a lot, especially on the doubles. In the end, only the win matters, and this is a great start to our campaign.”

Lukasiak, who impressed with several key finishes, echoed that sentiment. “This win definitely settles the nerves going into our match against France,” he said. “It’s a good feeling to start with a 4–1 win, we hit our doubles, got the points we needed, and now we’re fully focused on pushing through to the knockout stages.”

The duo’s preparation seems to be paying off. De Graaf recently returned to the stage at the Nordic Darts Masters, his first big event since the World Championship. “It helped, for sure,” he admitted. “I hadn’t played much at all since the Worlds, and I hadn’t done any European Tours either. So to get back up there last week, feel that stage pressure again — it was important. That little bit of match sharpness really helped heading into this weekend.”

Asked whether the Swedish pair could cause a few upsets as the tournament progresses, De Graaf didn’t hesitate. “I think we can always cause a shock. We play in the same league at home, we’re on the same team, and we know each other’s games really well. We’ve both made at least quarterfinals individually before, so there’s no reason we can’t go deep here if we’re both firing.”

With much of the pre-tournament attention fixed firmly on defending champions England, Lukasiak is happy for Sweden to stay out of the spotlight. “They can have all the pressure, like they’ve had the last year or so,” he said. “That suits us fine — we’re just going under the radar, playing our game, and seeing where it takes us.”

Sweden’s clash with France will determine who advances from Group C, with a place in the last 16 on the line.