OConnor Dominates Swiss Darts Trophy Opener in Basel

The 2026 Swiss Darts Trophy opening session at St. Jakobshalle in Basel delivered eight first-round results, with William OConnor leading the winners after defeating Jani Haavisto 6-1. The afternoon matches featured strong averages, close finishes, and several notable advances.

According to dartsworld.com, OConnor produced a 92.95 average in his victory over Haavisto. Mensur Suljovic also progressed efficiently, beating Gyorgy Jehirszki 6-3 in another opening-round match.

Bradley Brooks recorded the session's standout performance after recovering from a 4-2 deficit to defeat Niels Zonneveld 6-4. According to dartsworld.com, both players averaged above 100, with Brooks posting 100.73 and Zonneveld recording 100.17.

Zonneveld also hit seven 180s during the contest, according to dartsworld.com, but Brooks secured the deciding stages to complete the comeback victory. The result was one of the closest high-quality matches from the opening group of fixtures.

Czech qualifier Karel Sedlacek continued his European Tour run by defeating Sebastian Bialecki 6-4. Dartsworld.com reported that Sedlacek averaged 100.20 in the win.

Niko Springer advanced after a 6-1 victory against Swiss host-nation qualifier Roman Wellinger. The result added another comfortable win to the afternoon session at the Basel venue.

Tom Bissell produced one of the session's biggest upsets by edging Joe Cullen 6-5 in a final-leg decider. According to dartsworld.com, Cullen recorded the higher average at 84.70 compared with Bissell's 81.36, but Bissell won the deciding leg.

Spain's number one Cristo Reyes kept his European Championship hopes active with a 6-4 victory over Cameron Menzies. The result came during a session that included several players competing for progress in the European Tour event.

Former world champion Rob Cross recorded the highest average of the afternoon session with 105.95, according to dartsworld.com. Cross defeated Mario Vandenbogaerde 6-3 in a controlled first-round performance.

The remaining first-round matches were scheduled for the evening session at St. Jakobshalle, with Raymond van Barneveld, Michael Smith, Dave Chisnall and other players set to appear, according to dartsworld.com.