Darts professional Ricardo Pietreczko also demonstrated his strong form at the home European Championships. The 29-year-old shooting star beat defending champion Ross Smith from England 6:3 on Friday evening (October 27, 2023) and became only the fifth German in tournament history to reach the second round.
“Pikachu”, as the trained painter is called, once again put up outstanding numbers in his victory. In addition to a three-dart average of a good 104 points, the Nuremberg resident shone with his double rate of more than 46 percent. The world number 16 had that. Nothing to oppose Smith despite consistently good values.
Now against van Gerwen
Pietreczko’s opponent in the second round will be three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen. The Dutchman previously won a close match against Madars Razma from Latvia 6:5 and is aiming for his fifth title in the Westfalenhalle. Pietreczko triumphed at the European Tour event in Hildesheim almost two weeks ago, making him the second German to ever win a tournament on the PDC Tour after Max Hopp in 2018.
Pietreczko, who only became a professional with the tour card at the beginning of January 2022, is already qualified for the World Cup in London (December 15, 2023 to January 3, 2024).