With the Dutch Darts Championship entering its second day, the big guns emerged as the sixteen seeds joined the massive orange party in Rosmalen.
Saturday afternoon began in colourful fashion as Australia’s number one, Damon Heta, bounced onto the stage sporting his trademark flame-adorned headwear. He faced off against the final home-nation qualifier still standing, Jeffrey Sparidaans. The Dutchman put in a spirited performance, sharing the opening six legs with the Perth native. But once Heta found his rhythm, he reeled off three straight legs. Despite not hitting a single maximum, his 75% success rate on doubles saw him through to the last 16.
Reigning European Champion Ritchie Edhouse also booked his place in Sunday’s action after edging past perennial continental winner Dave Chisnall. As expected, it was a tight affair, but despite averaging five points less than Chizzy, Madhouse broke throw in the final leg to end an unwelcome run of three consecutive first-round exits.
Former Dutch Darts champ Michael Smith survived a thriller against Ryan Joyce, who sensationally missed ten match darts. Bullyboy, completed the escapology award to him, coolly taking out 106 for victory. While Joyce wonders where his doubling deserted him, Smith awaits the winner of tonight’s clash between Luke Humphries and Cameron Menzies.
Jonny Clayton grabbed his first European Tour win since the season opener in Belgium, brushing past Max Hopp. While the German had already checked out of his hotel, The Ferret is sticking around and hoping to go one better than last year’s final defeat to Josh Rock.
In the bottom half of the draw, Daryl Gurney ended a five-year drought against Chris Dobey, nicking another last-leg decider. Superchin could now meet his World Cup partner, Josh Rock in round three – but Ricardo Pietreczko will undoubtably have other plans.
Germany’s number one, Martin Schindler, continued his impressive form with a 6–4 win over Martin Lukeman. Smash played well, but Schindi’s superb ton-plus average keeps him on course for a fourth Euro Tour crown in just over a year.
Dutch World Cup skipper Danny Noppert eased past Mario Vandenbogaerde 6-2, ending Super Mario’s run and, effectively, Belgium’s interest in the event. The Freeze sealed victory with a crowd-pleasing 132 checkout on the bull and now faces Aussie counterpart, Damon Heta.
And finally, the session wrapped up with the battle of the Ryans, as the Englishman with the longer locks, Ryan Searle, prevailed. It was a strong showing from Searle, who will make his first Sunday walk-on of the year. Meikle impressed, but Heavy Metal proved too solid.
With seeds Chris Dobey and Dave Chisnall already toppled, seven more enter the fray tonight – including world number one Luke Humphries, two-time World Champion Peter Wright, and the daddy of Dutch darts himself, Raymond van Barneveld. Should be good. Will certainly be very orange.
SECOND ROUND RESULTS (Saturday Afternoon Session)
Damon Heta 6-3 Jeffrey Sparidaans
Dave Chisnall 5-6 Ritchie Edhouse
Michael Smith 6-5 Ryan Joyce
Jonny Clayton 6-2 Max Hopp
Chris Dobey 5-6 Daryl Gurney
Martin Schindler 6-4 Martin Lukeman
Danny Noppert 6-2 Mario Vandenbogaerde
Ryan Searle 6-4 Ryan Meikle
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC
