Dutch Darts Championship draw: Bunting faces Menzies or Kenny in qualification decider

The Dutch Darts Championship draw has paired Stephen Bunting with Cameron Menzies or Nick Kenny as he fights to secure a European Championship place.

Michael Smith begins against Stephen Burton on Friday, with Nathan Aspinall awaiting the winner, according to the schedule published by Sky Sports.

The draw therefore leaves open a third-round meeting between Bunting and Smith, should both negotiate their opening matches.

Dutch Darts Championship draw raises qualification stakes

Bunting enters the weekend in 32nd place on the European Tour Order of Merit, occupying the final qualifying position for Dortmund.

His £33,000 total leaves him £2,000 ahead of Karel Sedlacek, as our European Championship qualification previewexplains.

Smith sits 35th on £27,000. LiveDarts’ qualification assessment says he needs at least a quarter-final appearance to keep his hopes alive. That would not automatically guarantee qualification, with rivals also able to add to their totals.

The top 32 after Maastricht qualify for the European Championship, which takes place in Dortmund from 22–25 October.

When do Bunting and Smith play?

Smith’s opening match is scheduled for Friday’s evening session, which begins at 6pm BST. Bunting enters during Saturday’s evening session, also starting at 6pm.

Online Darts reports that Luke Humphries and Joe Cullen have withdrawn, with Mike De Decker and Daryl Gurney replacing them in the field.

The tournament runs from 16–18 October at MECC Maastricht. UK viewers can watch through PDCTV; our Dutch Darts Championship viewing guide has the session times and streaming details.