Gabriel Clemens and debutant Florian Hempel missed the last 16 at the Darts World Cup in London. While Hempel lost 4-1 to Australian Raymond Smith six days after his sensational victory against world number five Dimitri van den Bergh, Clemens lost 4-0 to Welsh Jonny Clayton. This means that no German is represented at the Alexandra Palace any more.
“I failed because of myself. The chances were there. I know what I can play,” said Hempel after his defeat in an interview with “Sport1”: “What I showed today is not even remotely what I want to show. “
Defending champion and top favorite Gerwyn Price meanwhile only avoided the early exit with a lot of effort. The world number one from Wales won his third round match against the Belgian Kim Huybrechts 4: 3 and barely missed a defeat. In the round of 16, Price faces Dirk van Duijvenbode from the Netherlands.
Clemens against Clayton without a chance
Clemens was only able to win four legs against Clayton, who, as number eight in the world, belongs to the extended circle of title contenders in London. The 38-year-old celebrated a historic victory over Peter Wright last year and was the first German to make it into the World Cup round of 16.
“He absolutely deserved to win. And in that form he is also a candidate for the title,” said Clemens, praising his strong opponent after the match in the “Sport1” conversation: “In the third sentence I broke him twice, so I had to I just add more. But it was just damn difficult. “
Of course he could have played better, the “German Giant” admitted, “but I did everything I can. In the end, such a defeat is easier to cope with because he played very well. You have to do that too recognize”.
Hempel had problems getting into the game at the beginning. Smith confidently secured the first two sets before Hempel won the third. But in the end the Australian kept his nerve. The 31-year-old Hempel has only been on the tour since February and took part in the World Cup for the first time.
.
ttn-9