The 2025 BetVictor World Cup of Darts began with a bang in Frankfurt, featuring a few surprises and some of the top dogs laying down early markers in their hunt for glory.
It was a particularly strong evening for the Asian representatives. Of the four teams who took to the stage, three emerged victorious – a clear reminder of the rising strength and depth of talent across that continent. Twelve more teams will enter the fray tomorrow afternoon, each facing the group rival who came up short tonight.
Here’s your match-by-match rundown of how the action unfolded in Deutschland.
First Round (Group in brackets)
SWEDEN 4-1 LITHUANIA (G)
An all-yellow affair kicked off the tournament and could easily have passed for a lost episode of The Simpsons. But in the end, it was Lithuania left saying D’oh! as they slumped to a heavy defeat. Sweden raced into a three-leg lead, with Oskar Lukasiak clinical on the doubles, nailing every one on his first attempt. The boys from the Baltic finally got a chalk on the board and should have made it 3–2, setting up a nervy finish, but Labanauskas squandered two crucial darts at the outer ring. In the end, the only people happier than Jeff and Oskar was Stuart Pyke after discovering the comms box had air conditioning.
Afterwards, De Graaf was full of praise for his partner, saying: “Oskar was great! My 180 was good but felt that was my only input this time.” Then ended the text message with a laughing emoji. Beat the French on Friday, and Jeff will definitely have plenty more to smile about.
CZECHIA 4-2 CHINESE TAIPEI (J)
The first of the Asian teams joined the party, with the nation known as Taiwan – unless they’re knocking about on the sporting circuit – putting up a brave battle but ultimately falling just short. Both teams were decked out in red, white, and blue, adding to what’s fast becoming a theme: there’s clearly no away kit rule at this World Cup. In the opening five legs, it seemed neither nation fancied holding throw. But at 3–2 up, the Czech duo finally decided it might be a good idea – and closed out the match in style. While Petr Křivka celebrated like they’d just lifted the trophy, Evil Charlie remained the picture of unflappable calm. See off India tomorrow, and don’t be surprised if Křivka starts doing cartwheels.
CROATIA 3-4 JAPAN (K)
The Pacific Ocean duo edged a dramatic contest, surviving three match darts and even busting 50 in the decider before eventually cleaning it up with their next visit. Team Croatia – turning up like a pair of snazzy chessboards – really should have taken this one, with Boris Krčmar putting in a true captain’s display. At times, it felt like the Japanese pair were appearing on a panel show, frequently conferring during visits – including one moment where Goto set up the bull on a 122 finish, then turned to his team-mate and asked what he should do next. Baffling.
Eventually, it all came down to a last-leg shoot-out – cue four fist bumps. But after being let off the hook, Azemoto – looking like he’d borrowed a pair of Pat Butcher’s earrings – nailed tops to secure a crucial two points for the Asians. Star of the show, however, was Goto, who – ironically – proved to be their go-to man. With Switzerland completing the group, it’s shaping up to be a very tight affair.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 4-2 GIBRALTAR (D)
It’s a winning start for the boys in green, who looked sharp at the start, brilliant at the end, but nodded off a bit in the middle. The former finalists burst out of the blocks to take a 2–0 lead, but then Willie left his compatriot Keane Barry stuck on the madhouse. After both faffed around unsuccessfully at the top of the board, it allowed the young Gibraltarians to draw level. Thankfully for the Irish, they hit the gas again when it mattered and raced to the finish line in style – sealing the deal with a magnificent eleven-dart leg. That result leaves the pairing of Craig Galliano and Justin Hewitt needing a win over China next, or it’ll be an early return to the Rock for the lads.
CANADA 1-4 MALAYSIA (F)
The first real shock of this year’s World Cup saw Malaysia stun the Maple Leafs with a composed and confident display. Canada, led by Matt Campbell – who, despite the arena being hotter than a sauna, still chose to wear a T-shirt under his match jersey – looked relaxed and upbeat alongside Jim Long during the walk-on. But that early composure didn’t last much beyond the opening leg, as the pair failed to find their rhythm, allowing the Southeast Asian duo to grow steadily in confidence.
The methodical Tan Jenn Ming – darts lingo for as slow as a tortoise on crutches – refused to be hurried, dictating the pace of play. Alongside his compatriot Tengku Shah, the clinical Malaysian duo took full advantage of a Canadian team that never really clicked into gear. A massive scalp for that nation, and a result that’s blown Group F wide open. For Canada – only victory over the Danes will keep them in.
USA 1-4 HONG KONG (I)
It’s back-to-back wins for Asian teams over North American opposition in a game that was anything but pretty – but Hong Kong won’t care one bit. If Matt Campbell’s decision to wear an extra layer was questionable, then Lok Yin Lee’s choice to throw with a hoodie under his match shirt was downright head-scratching.
The trip to Frankfurt didn’t get off to the best start for the American duo. Danny Lauby arrived without his luggage, and Jules van Dongen has spent the past few weeks throwing with his non-dominant arm. Not exactly ideal preparation. As good as the USA pairing can be, they simply didn’t show it this time. They’ll be expected to beat Bahrain tomorrow – but so will Hong Kong. And if both results go that way, the star spangled banner will cease to fly.
POLAND 4-3 SOUTH AFRICA (E)
Perennial dark horses Poland survived a stern examination to edge a thrilling contest against a gutsy South African side. The Poles may hold the world record average, but today’s performance was about as far from that as the two nations are geographically. Still, it’s all about the win.
The Africans started brighter, taking a 2–1 lead and looking sharp in the early exchanges. Poland hit back, but a crucial break of throw from the Cam & Dev duo gave South Africa a golden opportunity to serve out the match. But cometh the hour, cometh the Polish Eagle. Krzysztof Ratajski chose the perfect moment to produce the game’s first maximum – a pivotal visit that proved hugely influential in getting his team over the line. South Africa must now overcome Norway tomorrow to keep their hopes alive – then sit and hope that Poland slip up.
BELGIUM 4-1 LATVIA (B)
The much-fancied, new-look Team Belgium – featuring a Huybrechts-less line-up for the first time since 2013 – put on a strong display to confirm their status as potential champions. Returning after a short break, Dimitri Van den Bergh showed a few early signs of ring rust but soon shook them off and reminded everyone why he’s a two-time PDC major winner. Alongside him, the reigning World Grand Prix crown-wearer brought plenty of firepower, and together they simply had too much for a Latvian side that made the curious choice to send their captain, Madars Razma, up second to the oche.
All in all, the Flemish flingers will be delighted with their night’s work. It was a game they were always expected to win, but with half the team recently away from the game, nothing could be taken for granted. Tomorrow, they’ll take on the Philippines – and you’d expect the Belgian duo, with three big TV titles between them, to have too much in the locker. If so, it’s job done for stage one.
NETHERLANDS 4-0 ITALY (A)
An absolute demolition job from the Dutch duo, who simply blew the Italians out of the water with a blistering display to deliver the tournament’s first bagelling. It was trading machines – a Van Veen for a green one – as the youngster enjoyed a fantastic debut. Noppert, ever the classy operator, backed up his countryman superbly. It was one-way traffic from start to finish for the lads in orange.
The result leaves the Azzurri needing something close to a miracle – or maybe a quick phone call to the Vatican. First on the to-do list: beat Hungary. Then, pray the Magyar men somehow shock the Dutch. The former is within reach; the latter? Highly unlikely. And given the current leg difference, even that might not be enough. On this showing, the Netherlands will take some stopping.
Speaking to Gian after the event – well technically via WhatsApp, the impressive debutant had this to say: “Felt really great to play my first match in the orange shirt. I started off a bit shaky but Danny made me feel at ease really fast. Very happy with our performance and a 4-0 win.”
GERMANY 4-2 PORTUGAL (C)
On home soil, it was a winning start for the German pairing – even if they weren’t quite at their best. Ideally, in recent years, Portugal would love nothing more than to clone the 2020 version of José de Sousa if they’re to be serious contenders. But until time machines become a reality or cloning progresses beyond sheep, that dream remains firmly in the realms of science fiction. That said, debutant Bruno Nascimento gave a good account of himself.
Leading 2–1, the German duo grabbed a vital break of throw. And despite leaking another leg, Ricardo Pietreczko held his nerve and pinned tops with his third dart – much to the delight of the 3,000-strong home crowd inside the Eissporthalle. A win over the Singapore Slingers – who, of course, boast the legendary Paul Lim – would send the hosts through. But as we all know… you never quite know in this tournament.
AUSTRIA 4-1 SPAIN (H)
Last year’s runners-up put in an excellent performance, averaging just shy of the ton mark to ease past Spain. The ever-present Mensur Suljović was partnered by a new Rodriguez this time, with Rusty-Jake replacing older brother Rowby-John to make his World Cup debut – and the Austrian duo couldn’t have asked for a better start.
Spain, fielding an all-new team, can be proud of their effort, but there was only ever going to be one winner. Once Ricardo Fernandez Carballo remembered which way to walk back after retrieving his darts, Mensur looked a lot more relaxed. A small consolation for Team España was the news that, thanks to a recent broadcast initiative, fans back home were able to enjoy the match with commentary in their native language on PDCTV.
The real test for Austria comes tomorrow when they face former World Cup champions Australia. A win there would seal their spot in the next round – but it promises to be a stern examination.
FINLAND 0-4 NEW ZEALAND (L)
Whilst the kiwi may be a flightless bird, the darts boys from that neck of the woods are soaring high after getting off to the perfect start. Closing out the opening night, it ended with a comprehensive win for the Antipodeans – dishing out the second whitewash of the evening.
Led by their captain Haupai Puha and backed up solidly by debutant Mark Cleaver, New Zealand were sharp, focused, and ruthless. The Nordic nation will be disappointed with their showing. They do hold a small slice of World Cup history – famously knocking out a Dutch side featuring both Barney and MVG over a decade ago – but this performance was never going to be enough. The Kiwis raced to a dominant win over the Finns, sending out a strong message in the process.
——ENDS—–
Images: PDC
