Source: Xinhua
Editor: huaxia
2025-09-27 10:30:45
Luke Humphries competes during "Darts Top of Europe" showcase match at an altitude of 3,454 meters at Jungfraujoch "Top of Europe" train station in Geneva, Switzerland, Sept. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)
WENGEN, Switzerland, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- At 3,454 meters above sea level, outside Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, icy winds swept across the Jungfrau mountain in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland. Yet inside the station, the biting cold gave way to a lively atmosphere as a showcase darts tournament infused warmth and energy into the "Top of Europe."
Two of the sport's leading figures headlined the event: Luke Humphries of Britain, world No. 1 and known as "Cool Hand Luke," and Welshman Jonny Clayton, the current world No. 5 and a four-time major champion, celebrated for his calm and precise play.
They were joined by Swiss wrestler and amateur darts player Sven Hofer and renowned presenter and entertainer Michelle Hunziker. Together, the quartet brought charisma, skill, and spectacle to the competition, branded "Darts Top of Europe."
In a round-robin format, all four participants faced each other once. The amateurs put up an impressive fight against their world-class opponents, much to the delight of the crowd braving thin air at high altitude. In the end, it was the team of Jonny Clayton and Sven Hofer who triumphed, lifting the special Jungfraujoch trophy.
The showcase event was staged in the lead-up to the Swiss Darts Trophy, held in Basel from September 26 to 28, giving fans a taste of top-level action in a spectacular and unconventional setting.
"We have a long tradition of staging many different sports events here. With darts booming across Europe and now also this weekend in Basel," said Oliver Hammel, CEO of Jungfraubahnen. "It is a privilege to welcome the world's best players to the Top of Europe."
"It's one of those events we organize up here. We have had Roger Federer playing tennis, and even Lang Lang performing the piano," said Remo Kaser, CMO of Jungfraubahnen. "This darts tournament is another highlight in the series of world-class events at the Top of Europe."
This latest highlight at Jungfraujoch joins a long list of world-class sporting and cultural showcases hosted at the site dubbed the "Top of Europe." The tradition began in 2007 with the Swiss national football team's kick-off for Euro 2008, followed by appearances from NBA star Tony Parker, heavyweight boxing champions the Klitschko brothers, tennis legend Roger Federer, Chinese star pianist Lang Lang, and most recently the launch of ticket sales for the UEFA Women's EURO 2025. ■
Players pose for a group photo after "Darts Top of Europe" showcase match at an altitude of 3,454 meters at Jungfraujoch "Top of Europe" train station in Geneva, Switzerland, Sept. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)
Jonny Clayton (L) competes during "Darts Top of Europe" showcase match at an altitude of 3,454 meters at Jungfraujoch "Top of Europe" train station in Geneva, Switzerland, Sept. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)
Jonny Clayton competes during "Darts Top of Europe" showcase match at an altitude of 3,454 meters at Jungfraujoch "Top of Europe" train station in Geneva, Switzerland, Sept. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)
Luke Humphries competes during "Darts Top of Europe" showcase match at an altitude of 3,454 meters at Jungfraujoch "Top of Europe" train station in Geneva, Switzerland, Sept. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)
Jonny Clayton (R) competes during "Darts Top of Europe" showcase match at an altitude of 3,454 meters at Jungfraujoch "Top of Europe" train station in Geneva, Switzerland, Sept. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)