In Graz, Cristo Reyes stole the spotlight with a flawless nine‑dart finish against Australia’s No 1 Damon Heta, clinching a 6‑4 win. Averaging 101.89 and striking six 180s, the Spaniard’s performance underlines his rapid rise after reclaiming his PDC Tour Card in January. The win moved him into the last 16 and set up a clash with fifth seed Danny Noppert.

Meanwhile, top seed Michael van Gerwen opened the evening session with a 103.41 average, dispatching Krzysztof Ratajski 6‑3. His trio of ton‑plus checkouts signals a serious bid for a fifth Austrian title. The Dutchman will now confront two‑time European champion Rob Cross, who also edged William O'Connor 6‑3. Their showdown will test van Gerwen’s consistency against a rising European force.

Gian van Veen’s shock exit came in a last‑leg decider to Latvian No 1 Madars Razma, 6‑5. The Dutchman’s collapse echoes earlier missteps by compatriot Wessel Nijman, who fell to Niko Springer 6‑0. These upsets open the field for emerging talents and reshape the quarter‑final picture. Fans now watch how the remaining seeds adjust their strategies in a tightly contested tournament.

James Wade and Martin Schindler also advanced comfortably, while Kim Huybrechts overturned a 5‑4 deficit with a 132‑point bull finish. The night concluded with a 6‑1 win for Luke Woodhouse over Rob Owen. The climax will test precision.