Internatuonal Darts Open: Bunting's Kick-Starts Defence

Defending champion Stephen Bunting began his International Darts Open title defence in commanding fashion with a superb display to dispatch Krzysztof Ratajski and progress comfortably to the last 16 in Riesa.

The Liverpudlian, aiming to retain the title he claimed twelve months ago, produced an outstanding ton-plus average to set up a highly anticipated third-round encounter with Rob Cross, who had earlier accounted for Mike De Decker.

Top seed Gian van Veen ended his recent struggles on the European Tour with an assured victory over Conor Scutt, reaching the last day of a Euro Tour event for the first time since Göttingen in March.

Fellow Dutchman Michael van Gerwen also remains firmly in contention for a maiden International Darts Open title after edging past Madars Razma in a dramatic deciding-leg contest – a result the Latvian will undoubtedly feel slipped from his grasp.

Van Veen will now face compatriot and close friend Kevin Doets, who survived a deciding-leg battle against Luke Woodhouse. The contest marked the pair’s third meeting in as many weeks involving recent maiden Players Championship event winners.

For MVG, a clash with Damon Heta awaits after the Australian number one delivered a convincing performance against Niels Zonneveld, whose encouraging European Tour form this season came to an abrupt halt.

One of the standout displays of the day came from Cameron Menzies, who recovered remarkably from 4-0 down against Josh Rock to reel off six consecutive legs and eliminate the Northern Irishman. Menzies now faces home favourite Martin Schindler, who delighted the German crowd with a dramatic deciding-leg victory over Karel Sedlacek in the evening’s concluding match.

Ryan Searle and Kim Huybrechts will meet in another intriguing third-round encounter. Heavy Metal overcame Charlie Manby, while Huybrechts edged past Chris Dobey in a high-quality affair. Hollywood’s scoring remained consistently impressive throughout, although missed opportunities on the doubles ultimately proved costly.

Ricardo Pietreczko showed considerable composure to overcome Danny Noppert in another deciding-leg thriller. The German now progresses to face Ross Smith, who ended Joe Cullen’s hopes of securing a second International Darts Open crown.

Dave Chisnall’s difficult run of form continued as he suffered a comprehensive whitewash defeat to James Wade. The Machine now takes on the in-form Wessel Nijman, who narrowly defeated William O’Connor earlier in the day.

Elsewhere, Ryan Joyce – originally scheduled to face Gerwyn Price following the Welshman’s withdrawal – comfortably overcame Christian Kist and will now meet Jermaine Wattimena, who opened proceedings with a narrow victory over Bradley Brooks.

Just sixteen players now remain all vying for Euro Tour glory.

Saturday 23 May (Round Two)

Afternoon Session

Jermaine Wattimena 6-5 Bradley Brooks

Damon Heta 6-2 Niels Zonneveld

Kevin Doets 6-5 Luke WoodhouseRicardo Pietreczko 6-5 Danny Noppert

Ross Smith 6-3 Joe Cullen

Rob Cross 6-2 Mike De Decker

Wessel Nijman 6-5 William O’Connor

Cameron Menzies 6-4 Josh Rock

Evening Session

Kim Huybrechts 6-5 Chris Dobey