Eggplant was paired with the Czech Karel Sedlacek and won 6-4. The highlight was the leg that brought the Dutchman to 2-2. He threw 180 twice and then ended the leg with nine darts by throwing 141, after which the hall in Halle exploded.
Van Barneveld won against German qualifier Kevin Troppmann 6-3. As a result, the five-time European champion has come one step closer to qualifying for the European Championships at the end of this month. In addition, De Hagenees lost five of his seven previous matches. So a victory was welcome again for Barney.
Other Dutch people
Niels Zonneveld, Wessel Nijman, Jermaine Wattimena and Christian Kist can also return to the oche on Saturday after their victories in the first round.
Darter Dennie Olde Kalter enjoys the final despite merciless Luke Littler: ‘What a day!’
Gian van Veen and Danny Noppert join a few other top players in the next round. Michael van Gerwen is not present at this tournament.