Ricardo Pietreczko followed Martin Schindler into the second round of the European Darts Championship. In front of almost 5,500 spectators, the 31-year-old won against world number nine Josh Rock 6:4.
This means that two local heroes, Martin Schindler and Pietreczko, are still part of the field.
Germany’s number one will face Ryan Joyce from England on Saturday and is also expecting something in the second round: “Many outsiders will say, perhaps including myself, that there could have been worse draws.”
Schindler had already overcome the opening hurdle in Dortmund for the first time the day before after four unsuccessful attempts. Pietreczko now has to deal with Wattimena.
The hot phase of the season begins with the European Championship, which runs until Sunday, and takes the players back to England. The event in Dortmund is followed by the Grand Slam in Wolverhampton and the Players Championship Finals in Minehead. The highlight is the XXL World Cup in London at the end.