NIKO SPRINGER lifted his first European Tour title barely a month after quitting his job as a civil servant to go full-time.
The German, 25, defeated Danny Noppert 7-6 in Sunday’s final to win the Hungarian Darts Trophy.
GettyNiko Springer triumphed at the Hungarian Darts Trophy[/caption]
Springer had a brilliant run to the title, knocking out Luke Humphries in the quarter finals and Josh Rock in the final four.
Final opponent Noppert entered the showpiece in good form, having beaten Luke Littler in the semi-finals.
Springer has enjoyed a stunning rise to prominence this season.
In May, while still part-time, the Mainz-born ace reached the final of the Dutch Darts Championship.
Following the brilliant run, which saw him beat the likes of Stephen Bunting, Jermaine Wattimena and Martin Schindler, Springer decided to go pro.
He subsequently told the Tops Tops Tops podcast: “From August, things will change. I won’t be working anymore.
“I enjoyed my job and I did it well, so this wasn’t easy.
“But I’ve decided that this chapter will close — at least for now — in August.
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“When I have a weekend like Rosmalen, I get home around half past three in the morning.
“Then I’m up again at seven for work — plus a one-hour commute. Over time, it just drains you.
“That sense of security is going away for the moment, but I’ve got the option to go back at any time, no strings attached.”
Following his remarkable win in Budapest, delighted Springer said: “I took my chances, so I’m very happy – I can’t believe it.
“You can see that the crowd is amazing, they were supporting me and I think I did a good job.”
On how he is approaching the rest of the season, Springer continued: “My goal was to qualify for the World Championships, and I did that some months ago, so now I can play with some freedom.
“I have nothing to lose, and I’m very happy that I won.
“I never expected to be near the World Grand Prix, but I think with the win today I’m in the race. At the moment, I’m just happy.”
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