The 34-year-old Dutchman, who was in such good shape, lost in the third round to the tough Englishman Nathan Aspinall. In a match that went back and forth, Noppert had to leave the victory to his opponent 10-8.
“In the beginning he was immediately clicking his arrows. I don’t like that. He is very present. In the beginning I also immediately said: ‘Just take it easy.’ But that wasn’t what made me lose. I am extremely disappointed. Now the focus is fully on the World Cup,” Noppert reflected Viaplay.
Gian van Veen
European champion Gian van Veen (23) lost to Krzysztof Ratajski in the second round on Saturday afternoon after his spectacular victory over Luke Humphries: 6-5.