That can rightly be called a stunt, because Van der Velde is also considered a tournament debutant. The only 22-year-old darts player from Zevenhuizen, Frisian, is known as a talent and he proved that on Monday evening.
Nervous
Although Van der Velde still looked nervous in the beginning and got away well in the first leg, when the Australian Heta failed six (!) times to throw the decisive double for a break. Only in the fourth inning did Van der Velde take advantage by hitting the double three.
The Dutchman then got into the match nicely and eventually went into the last leg with a 4-3 lead. He cashed in his first break and took control of the match.
Van Gerwen
On Tuesday, two Dutch players, Michael van Gerwen and Wessel Nijman, will be in action on the last day of the group stage. They still need to win to secure the next round. Danny Noppert already did that before, as did Gian van Veen.