After a brief moment of jubilation, Florian Hempel looked as if he wanted to apologize directly to former world champion Peter Wright.

The German newcomer to darts actually wins against the experienced world-class player and bird of paradise from Scotland?

At first it seemed totally surreal.

“That was the greatest achievement in my career so far.

And it will give me a lot of self-confidence, ”said the 31-year-old after the 6-3 coup in the first round of the European Championship in Salzburg.

Defending champion "Snakebite" Wright congratulated the former handball goalkeeper on Thursday with full appreciation. Born in Dessau, who now lives in Cologne, had not yet had much experience on the big stage in front of international TV cameras. “I am extremely happy. He's number two in the world and to have beaten him is an unbelievable feeling. ”Hempel played well from the start, quickly led 4: 1 and was not unsettled by Wright, who is also famous for his colorful clothes and hairstyles. 

Hempel will continue on Saturday evening, when he will meet Austria's local hero Mensur Suljovic.

“I'll keep trying to play my best darts,” commented Hempel.

The prize money of 10,000 pounds (almost 12,000 euros) also helps the German financially.

In December he could make his debut at the World Cup at Alexandra Palace in London. 

Lack of great triumph

Gabriel Clemens is now also entering the tournament.

The 38-year-old Saarlander does not grieve too much about missed opportunities, but is satisfied with the development of his sport.

“I think we already have a lot of public awareness.

Darts is becoming more and more popular in Germany, ”said the“ German Giant ”of the German press agency before the open championships in Salzburg, which for him begin with a duel with Australia's Damon Heta. 

Clemens admits that the great German triumph is still missing.

"But he can still come - from me or another German." In 2018, Hopp made it to the EM semifinals and failed there in a dramatic way.

Since then, more and more Clemens has trumpeted and - bypassed Hopp - played among the best 25 in the world.

Its development is constant, but so far it has not made any big leaps.

“My goal was to establish myself in the top 32.

I succeeded, ”said Clemens, whose highlight last year was a World Cup victory over the then defending champion Wright.

But you didn't hear big sayings afterwards either.

The victory over Wright is no longer a unique selling point in German darts.