Rampant Van Gerwen Runs Riot

Mighty Michael van Gerwen issued torpedo-sized warning shots to the rest of the Czech Darts Open field with a ruthless whitewash of reigning Grand Prix champ Mike De Decker.

Rather than stand in the middle of Prague with a megaphone shouting Don’t forget about me, the Dutch legend did what he does best – let the darts do the talking. And talk they did.

MVG averaged a monstrous 112.73, a performance that at times threatened to tear up the Euro Tour record books.This was vintage Van Gerwen – the 2016 version who used to hoard trophies like they were rationed. Dutch fans will be praying this is more strobe light than candle flicker.

After a rocky afternoon for some seeds, the evening belonged to the big names. Damon Heta and Chris Dobey had already fallen earlier in the day to Dutch opposition – Wessel Nijman and Jermaine Wattimena respectively – while Gian van Veen kept his surge going with a win over World Cup partner Danny Noppert.

And as for Dave Chisnall? Another Euro Tour trip, another early exit – this time courtesy of Ryan Searle. Once the sun went down, the heavy artillery rolled in. Rob Cross powered past Krzysztof Ratajski, Gerwyn Price ended Niko Springer’s promising run, and Stephen Bunting punished Kevin Doets’ missed chances to book his Sunday spot.

James Wade then reminded everyone why The Machine still purrs like a Rolls Royce. He overcame Nathan Aspinall with such efficiency it felt shorter than his walk-on. That’s a slight exaggeration, but The Asp was checking his watch for good reason – Wade had him waiting that long to get on stage. When he finally arrived, the Aldershot arrowsmith was ice-cold.

Luke Humphries and Dirk van Duijvenbode, on the other hand, spent large chunks of their match looking like they’d both forgotten how to end legs. Missed doubles piled up like empty pint glasses, until Cool Hand expelled a rare moment of petulance – throwing underarm in frustration, which rather undermines the nickname. Eventually, the world number one remembered what the outer ring looks like and scraped past his Dutch techno-loving opponent, waving an apology for the spectacle.

Then came the prince of darts. Still searching for his first title on Czech soil, Luke Littler arrived out like a man possessed, ensuring Cameron Menzies’ Saturday-night party plans were promptly cancelled.

The Nuke did ease off near the finish line, but you got the feeling he could have floored the afterburners any time he fancied.

And finally, after Van Gerwen’s demolition job, Josh Rock put the finishing touch on an evening clean sweep for the seeds with a strong win over Willie O’Connor.What all this means is simple: Sunday afternoon in Prague is shaping up to be box office. For those in the arena – or those lucky enough to find a stream that doesn’t crash – a tungsten treat awaits, stuffed with firepower, drama, and enough star names to fill a Premier League line-up.

Second Round – Saturday 6th September

Afternoon Session

(12) Ross Smith 6-4 Andrew Gilding

(16) Martin Schindler 6-3 Madars Razma

(9) Damon Heta 5-6 Wessel Nijman

(6) Chris Dobey 2-6 Jermaine Wattimena

(15) Danny Noppert 2-6 Gian Van Veen(11) Dave Chisnall 4-6 Ryan Searle

(13) Peter Wright 6-2 Benjamin Pietreczko

(10) Jonny Clayton 6-2 Ryan JoyceEvening Session (8) Rob Cross 6-1 Krzysztof Ratajski

(7) Gerwyn Price 6-2 Niko Springer

(4) Stephen Bunting 6-4 Kevin Doets

(5) James Wade 6-3 Nathan Aspinall