More of the same was on display on the opening Day of the Austrian Darts Open and there is a sense that I am overcomplicating matters.
There is still a long season ahead and the next couple of months are incredibly busy on the Tour before the Ranking events get underway again. Some momentum is needed to just settle things down and that has to begin on Day 2 of the European Tour 6 event being played this weekend as the Seeds get into the mix.
The Second Round is played across two Sessions on Saturday before the tournament is concluded on Sunday.
Mike De Decker to win & most 180s v Ryan Joyce: There is no ignoring of the fact that Relentless Ryan Joyce is a dangerous opponent with his finishing of the highest quality.
That does build pressure on opponents to make sure they are doubling out as they would expect, but you do have a sense that the heavier scoring of Mike De Decker can put him in a position to win this match double.
Ever since he was ignored for the Premier League last year, De Decker has struggled for consistency on the Tour.
We have seen more of that in 2026, but he remains a solid player and the maximum hitting shoud land his favour in this Second Round match.
Everything will come to the doubling and the anticipation is that Mike De Decker has enough chances to find his way through to the final day.
Ryan Searle-Kevin Doets over 5.5 180s: Two players who are very capable at hitting the big scores should be able to combine for at least six in this Second Round match.
Of course there is always a concern that one could run away from the other, but Ryan Searle looked to be rounding into some decent form earlier this week.
On the other side, Kevin Doets continues his very strong form that could see him Seeded for these European Tour events sooner than later and this looks a match that should go at least nine Legs, which will give the players enough time to surpass this total set.
Ross Smith-Niels Zonneveld both over 2.5 180s: Another big maximum potential Second Round match follows on from the Searle-Doets contest.
There is no denying the capabilities of Niels Zonneveld and Ross Smith when it comes to pounding in the big scores and it is another contest that is expected to go at least nine Legs.
Time is the biggest factor when it comes to these totals and you do need both players to be producing enough quality to make sure those Legs are played.
Chris Dobey-Kim Huybrechts both over 2.5 180s: These two players met on the European Tour in March and both players combined for seven maximums, which ended 4-3 in favour of Kim Huybrechts.
Ultimately it was Chris Dobey who progressed and this final match of the Afternoon Session has the makings of another quality contest.
Both players are looking to push up the World Rankings over the course of the year and there have been some really positive signs for both.
The edge is rightly with Chris Dobey, but Kim Huybrechts should be able to push him all the way and this could be another maximum-filled contest.
James Wade & Wessel Nijman to win: The Evening Session has a number of quality matches and there looks to be room for a couple of upsets.
However, these two players should be able to get the better of Mensur Suljovic and Niko Springer respectively, even if the crowd is firmly going to be siding with the underdog.
James Wade will respect some of the floor performances produced by Suljovic over the last week, but he has found a way to get past the Austrian in recent head to head. Experience of the style should be a huge help and James Wade has played at a consistent level that may be too much for the home favourite.
Doubling him up with Wessel Nijman who has moved into a Seeded spot and who has obliterated the competition on the floor in Players Championship events all season is the play for the Evening Session.
Wessel Nijman will have a real respect for Niko Springer and the quality the latter can throw, but the Dutchman has been in imperious form and reached the Semi Final of the last European Tour event he played. Earlier this week he added yet another Players Championship to his collection and he should have enough to find a way through to the Third Round.
MY PICKS: Mike De Decker to Win & Most 180s @ 2.50 Bet365 (1 Unit)
Ryan Searle-Kevin Doets Over 5.5 180s @ 1.72 Bet365 (1 Unit)
Ross Smith-Niels Zonneveld Both Over 2.5 180s @ 2.05 Bet365 (1 Unit)
Chris Dobey-Kim Huybrechts Both Over 2.5 180s @ 2.37 Bet365 (1 Unit)
James Wade & Wessel Nijman @ 2.04 Sky Bet (1 Unit)
Austrian Darts Open: 0-4, - 4 Units (4 Units Staked, - 100% Yield)
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