From 26 to 29 September, the 21st edition of the WDF European Cup was held in the capital of Hungary, Budapest. In the men’s competition 38 different countries came to the oche, which is an absolute record for the WDF Europe Cup. Four countries left their ladies at home, but with 34 countries this edition is also a record breaker for the ladies. In the MOM Sports Centre an exciting tournament was played with some surprising winners. Ukraine is there for the first time, making it the 41st country to ever participate in a WDF Europe Cup.
It is a WDF Europe Cup that remains exciting until the very end. The Netherlands seems to be the big favourites before the final day, but it is still the English foursome Nigel Heydon, Paul Hogan, Scott Mitchell & Daniel Day who get the gold medal. Also, thanks to the historic Swedish victory in the team tournament. England finishes on 92 points. The Netherlands takes the silver with 85 points and the Irish Republic takes the bronze with 76 points. It is the second time in history that the winners of the team tournament do not win an overall medal. It does not put a damper on the joy in Sweden at all, which finishes fourth overall with 68 points. Scotland completes the top 5 with 51 points.
Overall ranking
1 - 92 points England
2 - 85 points Netherlands
3 - 76 points Republic of Ireland
4 - 68 points Sweden
5 - 51 points Scotland
6 - 48 points Czechia
7 - 44 points Finland
8 - 42 points Belgium
9 - 36 points Wales
10 - 32 points Denmark
11 - 28 points Norway
12 - 25 points Hungary
13 - 23 points Northern Ireland
14 - 22 points Germany
15 - 21 points Serbia
16 - 20 points Lithuania
17 - 16 points Ukraine
18 - 15 points France/ Greece
20 - 13 points Malta
21 - 10 points Russia /Jersey
23 - 7 points Isle of Man/ Romania/ Slovakia/ Cyprus
27 - 6 points Spain/ Luxembourg
29 - 5 points Latvia
30 - 4 points Austria/ Bulgaria/ Estonia
33 - 3 points Gibraltar/ Catalonia/ Iceland/ Turkey/ Italy
38 - 1 point Switzerland