Hip Hip HooReyes: Spaniard's Perfect Austrian Darts Open Afternoon

Saturday afternoon at the Austrian Darts Open and the packed Stadthalle Graz witnessed a moment of history, with Spanish sensation Cristo Reyes producing a perfect leg. Long before The Spartan’s magic act, however, the session had already burst into life.

After the opening couple of matches, one major champion had safely navigated his way into Sunday’s action.The next to take to the stage was not so fortunate.

Kicking things off, Goldfinger Andrew Gilding produced a pristine ton-plus average to see off Jermaine Wattimena. It was another disappointing early exit for the Dutchman, who has struggled to build on his breakthrough title-winning campaign in 2025.

All in all though, the former UK Open champion was fully deserving of victory, thanks largely to an excellent 60% conversion rate on the outer ring.

Another player still searching for form since lifting the 2024 World Grand Prix was Mike De Decker. Once again, the Belgian was well below par and Ryan Joyce gladly took full advantage.

Had De Decker not squandered so many opportunities on the doubles, it may well have been a different story. You would probably describe Relentless’ display as solidly professional rather than spectacular.

Double European Champion Rob Cross gave his World Matchplay hopes another boost with a strong finishing burst to end William O’Connor’s weekend. With the contest finely poised at 3-3, Voltage planted his foot firmly on the accelerator and powered over the line.

Another stage win arrived for the increasingly impressive Kevin Doets – and a convincing one too – this time against Ryan Searle as he continues to shine. Neither player truly hit the heights they are capable of, but it was Hawkeye who once again booked his place on a Euro Tour Sunday and a meeting with Geordie thrower Ryan Joyce.

Someone else on the afternoon bill with a European Championship title on his résumé, Ross Smith advanced into the last 16 courtesy of a commanding display against Niels Zonneveld.

Smudger stormed into a 5-1 lead and proved far too much for Triple Z to fully reel back in.Then came the crowd pleaser.

Spain’s Cristo Reyes is enjoying his long-awaited return to PDC Pro Tour life, even more so after smashing in a sensational nine darter to see off the last – and therefore technically reigning – Gibraltar Darts Trophy champion, Damon Heta.

The memorable moment arrived in leg four and accounted for two of The Spartan’s six match maximums. Yet another breathtaking display from the Spanish number one, and an afternoon he is unlikely to forget anytime soon.

From a Harrows perspective, Luke Woodhouse helped bandage the wound left by Heta’s exit, cruising past Rob Owen with ease. Elevated into the seeded positions, that was Woody’s first victory in that role this year.

His reward on Sunday could well be a clash with crowd favourite Mensur Suljović. Or perhaps Mr Longevity himself, James Wade, who was present at the inaugural Austrian Darts Open when Justin Pipe denied him the title.

And for a dramatic session finale, Kim Huybrechts and Chris Dobey treated the fans to an absolute thriller, with the Belgian edging it in a deciding leg courtesy of one of the finest bullseye finishes you are ever likely to see. After a plethora of maximums – the eventual tally reaching nine – it all came down to a straight shootout.

The Hurricane stepped up eyeing a champagne 132 checkout and, after pinning the 25 followed by treble 19, he shuffled left, then right, carefully picked his spot on the oche and delivered a majestic dart into the tiny red circle to set up a meeting with Goldfinger.That brings an end to the halfway stage of round two. Over to the evening session lads now to try and top that.