2026 European Darts Trophy: Betting Tips

Dave Chisnall vs Jeffrey de Zwaan

Dave Chisnall's form continues to be inconsistent, highlighted by the number of sub-90 averages he's recorded this season, and he averaged just 84.78 in a 6-4 defeat at the first European Tour event of the season against Daryl Pilgrim.

Jeffrey de Zwaan's career was halted by injury, just as he was starting to break through to the elite. People forget how good he was, and it's only been 8 years since his fantastic run to the World Matchplay semi-final. Still aged just 29, he regained his tour card in January and has shown signs of his form returning.

Both players have been inconsistent, but Chisnall especially looks to be struggling with confidence. So for that reason, the Dutchman looks a good price to get the job done here.

Dirk van Duijvenbode vs Mario Vandenbogaerde

Dirk van Duijvenbode is clearly the better player on paper and played well at the UK Open last week, losing with a 101.59 average to Gary Anderson.

Mario Vandenbogaerde has lost his last 6 matches on the PDC Tour, and looks set to be outclassed by the big Dutchman tonight.

Daryl Gurney vs Sebastian Bialecki

Daryl Gurney has made a solid start to the 2026 season and reached the last 16 of the recent UK Open. The Northern Irishman is extremely experienced on the European Tour stage and will always remain solid enough to be competitive.

Sebastian Bialecki has turned a corner in his career after winning a Players Championship event last season. He is, however, inexperienced on the European Tour, and this will be just his 9th appearance.

The two are similarly matched, and I expect this to be a close encounter.

Niko Springer vs Kai Gotthardt

Niko Springer has struggled to replicate the form he had when he burst onto the scene last year. The young German still has time on his hands, but he needs to find something soon; otherwise, it will become a problem.

Kai Gotthardt had a good run to the last 32 of the UK Open last week and beat Niko Springer 6-4 en route. He looks set to be the more confident of the two, and looks a fabulous price to replicate the result of last week.

Wessel Nijman vs Cristo Reyes

This looks set to be the tie of the opening round, as two in-form players go head to head. Both rely heavily on their scoring power, and with Cristo Reyes returning to the PDC in arguably his best form, I can see this being a high-scoring classic.