Blog - Alternate Layout
European Darts Open – Round Three Round-Up
James Hubbard completed the remarkable feat of qualifying for the Betfair World Matchplay in his first year as a professional, when the 19-year-old defeated Mark Walsh in the third round of the European Darts Open.
James Wade, Raymond van Barneveld, Simon Whitlock and Mervyn King also claimed victories on Sunday afternoon, to join Hubbard in the quarter-finals of the PDC’s third European Tour Event.
Photo: Carsten Arlt/PDC Europe
Hubbard, who won the PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship in May, continued a fantastic debut year by booking his place in the Blackpool tournament with a 6-3 triumph over Walsh.
The youngster was overcome with emotion as he received a standing ovation from the 1,800 strong Dusseldorf crowd, after finishing the match in style by taking out 110 for a 12 darter.
Hubbard faces Richie Burnett on Sunday evening after the Welshman defeated Michael van Gerwen, as the last eight participants battle it out for the £15,000 title.
Wade eased past Andy Smith to book his place in quarter-finals, claiming a 6-2 triumph over ‘The Pieman’.
“Andy’s a very difficult player to beat so I’m happy to have won that.,” said The Machine, who sealed the win with a 120 checkout.
“I’ve been practising hard for the last couple of weeks and I’m trying hard to take that up onto stage.”
Wade will take on van Barneveld on Sunday evening after the Dutchman beat compatriot Gino Vos 6-2, posting an impressive 103.68 average.
“It’s special for me to play Gino,” said Barney, whose victory included a brilliant 156 checkout. ”
Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC
“I practiced with him last year and he is a very talented player. He’s done very well in this event and was awesome in the first three or four legs, but I stayed calm and to average nearly 104 is fantastic for me.
“I’m looking forward to playing James as we always have cracking matches.”
Whitlock enjoyed a 6-3 victory over Speedy Services UK Open winner Robert Thornton, whose run in Germany has guaranteed his place in Blackpool later this month.
“Robert’s a fantastic player and that was a great game,” said ‘The Wizard’ who faces Dave Chisnall in the last eight.
“I’ve been blown away by the support of the crowd here and it’s brilliant to be in the quarter-finals now.”
King was the first man through to the quarter-finals, after running out a 6-5 winner against Steve Beaton.
“I had two nine-darters in practice today but it didn’t quite happen on stage,” said King, who will play Colin Osborne on Sunday evening for place in the last four.
“I’ve a little bit to work on and I want to improve in the next game.”
The quarters, semis and final will all take place on Sunday evening.
By Chris Murphy
European Darts Open – Round Two Round-Up
PDC Unicorn World Youth Champion James Hubbard moved a step closer to sealing a place at Blackpool’s Betfair World Matchplay by winning a dramatic last-leg decider against Steve Brown in Dusseldorf, while James Wade and Simon Whitlock produced impressive performances in round two of the European Darts Open.
Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC
There were also victories for Robert Thornton, Raymond van Barneveld, Mervyn King and Michael van Gerwen, who will all return to the Maritim Hotel on Sunday, when the final 16 players will battle it out for the £15,000 title.
Hubbard held his nerve to win 6-5 for the second consecutive day, as he broke Brown’s throw in the deciding leg to seal victory.
The 19-year-old now occupies a provisional qualifying place for the World Matchplay, ahead of what is likely to be a crucial third round match against Mark Walsh on Sunday afternoon.
Wade produced checkouts of 151 and 107 in a 6-3 triumph over Jelle Klaasen. ‘The Machine’ faces Andy Smith in the last 16.
Whitlock stormed past Ronny Huybrechts, winning five consecutive legs to take a 6-1 victory, which included a brilliant 160 finish.
He said: “The crowds have been amazing for me and I’ve been so impressed because I’ve never had support like this anywhere else in the world. Tomorrow’s a big day for me and I can’t wait. My form’s improving game on game.”
‘The Wizard’ will take on Thornton on Sunday afternoon, after the Speedy services UK Open winner defeated Vincent van der Voort 6-4, despite the Dutchman hitting five 180s.
Thornton said: “I’m feeling confident and hopefully my darts will continue to get better and better as the weekend goes on.”
van Barneveld defeated Brendan Dolan 6-2 to book his place in the third round.
“The result looks so solid but I was 4-0 up and blew what could have been a fantastic leg when I missed all those doubles,” said the Dutchman, who hit four maximums in his victory.
Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC
“I had to work hard from there to win the match. But I’m feeling comfortable and I’m looking forward to playing Gino Vos on Sunday.”
King won a last leg decider against Ronnie Baxter, to set up a last 16 clash against Steve Beaton.
van Gerwen saw off the challenge of Brian Woods, claiming a 6-4 victory to reach the last 16.
“It was difficult but winning was the most important thing,” said ‘Mighty Mike’, who will play Richie Burnett on Sunday afternoon.
“It doesn’t matter how you win as long as you win, so I’m very happy. I missed too many doubles but I’m through.”
There was also positive news for Paul Nicholson, when other results meant that ‘The Asset’ would keep his place inside the world’s top 16, guaranteeing him a place in Blackpool.
By Chris Murphy
