Austrian Darts Open

The “carnival” returns to Styria

Last year, Jonny Clayton took victory in the Steiermarkhalle.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Thousands of fans will once again celebrate a big "carnival party" in the Styrian hall at Schwarzlsee this weekend when the world's best darts players come to Premstätten. However, the absence of Rowby-John Rodriguez and Mensur Suljovic, Austria's top duo, caused much misunderstanding in the run-up to the event. 

These days, winter returned late to Styria. The same applies to carnival this weekend. Walkers on the Schwarzlsee could get this impression. Dozens of party people in fancy dress will once again make the Steiermarkhalle shake. But not because of a carnival, but because darts fever is breaking out again!

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The world's best dart throwers will once again do the honors in the south of Graz. Around 5000 visitors per day will once again ensure a raucous party atmosphere. Tickets are only available for Friday, the other two days are completely sold out. "I love Graz! The fans gave me such great support," enthused last year's winner Jonny Clayton after his second success. 

The world elite comes to Styria
The Welshman enters the second round of the Austrian Darts Open on Saturday. Just like record winner Michael van Gerwen (four triumphs), crowd favorite and bird of paradise Peter Wright, world champion Luke Humphries and former world champions Rob Cross and Gerwyn Price. A total of 175,000 pounds in prize money will be paid out, with 30,000 pounds awaiting the winner.

Luke Littler, who is only 17 years old, is already the runner-up in the world championship and the shooting star of the darts scene.(Bild: Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

However, one player has outshone everyone in recent months: Luke "The Nuke" Littler. The 17-year-old took second place on his debut straight away and immediately played his way into the hearts of the fans. And the ardent soccer fan (Manchester United) has already set several records: At 16, he was the youngest player to win a TV tournament in Bahrain, but also threw a 9-darter, the perfect game. He was also the youngest player ever to win live on TV.

Mensur Suljovic missed out on qualifying and will be absent in Styria.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

But there was already a lot of excitement before the event: With Mensur Suljovic, last year's sensational quarter-finalist, and buddy Rowby-John Rodriguez, Austria's best players are missing. The duo had to play a qualifier in England after a mode adaptation and failed. This caused a lot of incomprehension and anger in the domestic scene as to why the two best domestic aces had to do this at all.