karel-sedlacek-czech-darts-open-may23-1024x683 Sedlacek keeps title Hopes Alive as Bellmont makes his mark in Basel

Screenshot-2026-04-04-205226-1024x168 Sedlacek keeps title Hopes Alive as Bellmont makes his mark in Basel

Sedlacek keeps European Championship Hopes Alive as Bellmont delights home fans in Basel

Karel Sedlacek kept his hopes of qualifying for the European Championship alive on the opening day of the Swiss Darts Trophy, while Swiss favourite Stefan Bellmont thrilled the home crowd with an impressive victory in Basel.

Sedlacek battled back from 4-3 down to defeat Sebastian Bialecki 6-4, recording an average of more than 100 in a closely contested encounter. The Czech produced a crucial 86 checkout on the bullseye to break his opponent’s throw and secure the win.

He will now face Wessel Nijman in the next round, with a place in the last 16 at stake.

“I was waiting for my chance and I hit the bull. Super!” Sedlacek said.

“The chance of qualifying for Dortmund is still alive. I think I’m still alive too. We will see.”

Meanwhile, Stefan Bellmont became the third Swiss player to register a victory at the tournament, overcoming Andrew Gilding 6-3 during the evening session.

The 37-year-old produced an impressive run of five consecutive legs to claim just his third European Tour match victory. Bellmont will face Krzysztof Ratajski in the second round as he looks to continue his promising run in front of his home supporters.

“Playing in front of your home crowd is very special and I wanted to win so much,” Bellmont said.

“There were quite a few nerves in the early stages, but thankfully I was able to raise my game. I know I will have to play better tomorrow, but for now I just want to enjoy this amazing moment.”

Smith and Cross continue their campaigns

Michael Smith also kept his European Championship qualification hopes on track with a 6-4 victory over Rob Owen. The former world champion will next meet Jermaine Wattimena, with a place in Sunday’s action up for grabs.

Elsewhere, Rob Cross maintained his strong form by averaging 105.95 in a convincing 6-3 win against Mario Vandenbogaerde. Cross will now prepare for a second-round clash with Luke Woodhouse.

Bradley Brooks also impressed, averaging more than 100 in a 6-4 triumph over Niels Zonneveld. Both players surpassed the 100 average mark and combined for 13 maximum 180s in an entertaining contest.

The former world youth champion has now won all four of his opening-round matches on the European Tour this year. His next opponent will be Chris Dobey.

Kuivenhoven ends Basel drought

Maik Kuivenhoven finally ended a difficult run in Basel that had lasted almost five years, defeating fellow Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld 6-3.

The result also denied Van Barneveld the opportunity to secure his first European Tour victory of the year.

There was further drama in two deciding-leg encounters, as Dave Chisnall edged past Alan Soutar, while Tom Bissell overcame Joe Cullen.

Bissell’s victory marked just his second European Tour win, while Cullen’s defeat left him one position outside the European Championship qualification places.

Cristo Reyes recorded his first European Tour victory since May, averaging 98 in a win over Cameron Menzies. He will face Ryan Searle in the next round.

Mensur Suljovic also progressed after beating Gyorgy Jehirszki 6-3. Despite the Hungarian landing two finishes of more than 100, Suljovic did enough to set up a second-round meeting with Michael van Gerwen on Saturday evening.