Germany’s hopeful Gabriel Clemens has been eliminated from the Darts World Cup. Kai Gotthardt, on the other hand, is still in the race – and wants to create the next surprise.
Kai Gotthardt will face number eight seeded Englishman Stephen Bunting in the second round of the Darts World Cup today. After his surprising 3-1 win against Alan Soutar in the first match, the German debutant now faces an even bigger challenge.
2nd set, 4th leg – Will Gotthardt get back on track? Bunting has now hinted at what he is capable of. But the German darts professional initially shows no weakness in the fourth leg and ends up in the finish area with 149 points. But Bunting is on his heels and plays down to 83. Gotthardt only gets 64 points, but Bunting doesn’t take advantage of the opportunity to win the set. But Gotthardt does. He hits 19, triple 16 and then checks out with double 9. The 2:2!
2nd set, 3rd leg – bunting is now better in the game. When he throws his own ball he gets the 8 points. Gotthardt plays down to 59 points. But Bunting checks out in time via the 4 and the double 2.
2nd set, 2nd leg – Gotthardt doesn’t start the second leg ideally, Bunting pulls away a bit and is ahead of the German in the finish area. Nevertheless, Gotthardt has the chance for the high finish, but doesn’t take advantage. Bunting secures the rebreak with a throw to double 20.
2nd set, 1st leg – let’s move on! Gotthardt leads 1-0 after sets. Now Bunting starts the first leg of the second set. Nevertheless: Gotthardt is totally into it and is already throwing his fourth 180 in this match. His average is currently over 100 points. Gotthardt scores 48 points and has two arrows for the break after a throw on 16. And he uses it: he hits the double 16 ice cold. 1-0 in the second set for “The Tunnel”.
1st set, 4th leg – Now Bunting also has his first 180 and pulls away from Gotthardt in the fourth leg. But the outsider also hits the 180 and ends up in the finish area. Bunting has 62 points remaining and misses the chance to make the leg because his arrow doesn’t hit double 16. The chance for Gotthardt. And he uses it. He checks out 63 remaining points with the triple 13 and double 12. Craziness! The first sentence goes to Gotthardt.
1st set, 3rd leg – Gotthardt starts the next leg with 100 points, Bunting only with 60. Then Gotthardt’s 91, Bunting follows suit with 85 and then this: Gotthardt with the second 180! Very big cinema. In the end he checks out with double 4. The third leg goes to the German.
1st set, 2nd leg – Now Bunting throws on. The Englishman starts straight away with 158 points. Gotthardt only hits the easy 20 three times. “The Bullet” scores 32 points, but misses twice. Gotthardt only managed 104 points. Bunting hits double 16 and secures his first leg.
1st set, 1st leg – let’s go. Gotthardt throws the first 100 points onto the board. Bunting quickly follows suit, scoring 96 points and putting the German under pressure. The two opponents move in lockstep, then Gotthardt with the first 180 of the evening. Strong start, which “The Tunnel” checks out with a double 12. The first leg goes to Gotthardt!
4:12 p.m. – Now “Titanium” echoes through the “Ally Pally” in London. It is Bunting’s introduction song. The Englishman enters the stage, puts his hands on his ears and celebrates with the fans. The first duel between the two opponents is about to begin.
4:10 p.m. – It starts a little earlier, the match wasn’t actually supposed to start until 4:45 p.m. But Kai Gotthardt is now taking the stage. “Unstoppable” by Sia plays. It’s his entrance music.
4:00 p.m. – Gotthardt’s attitude to the duel with Bunting has apparently not changed since Monday. He is optimistic in the Sport1 interview. “I have nothing to lose,” said the darts professional.