Stephen Bunting kicked off his defence of the Elten Safety Shoes International Darts Open with a commanding 6-2 victory over Krzysztof Ratajski in Riesa, averaging 102.54 and hitting five 180s. Fresh from a Premier League win in Sheffield, the Liverpudlian said he felt "great" and ready to continue his form.

Gian van Veen broke a three‑match losing streak on the European Tour, dispatching Connor Scutt 6-3 while posting a near‑97 average. The 24‑year‑old will face fellow Dutchman Kevin Doets in what promises a tight all‑Netherlands clash. Van Veen’s win restores confidence ahead of the tournament’s later rounds.

Michael van Gerwen survived a dramatic comeback from Madars Razma, overturning a 3‑0 deficit to win 6-5 after Razma missed six match darts. Van Gerwen’s resilience earned him a quarter‑final meeting with Damon Heta, who breezed past Niels Zonneveld. The results set up a competitive last‑16 field as the event heads toward Finals Day.