Raymond van Barneveld won the squatter against Michael van Gerwen at the European Darts Matchplay on Saturday evening. The 56-year-old Hagenaar won for the first time ever on the European Tour of Van Gerwen, who made his comeback after dental surgery. An unchained Gian van Veen and Dirk van Duijvenbode also reached the third round in Trier, Germany.
For Raymond van Barneveld, the tournament already started yesterday, in the first round. De Hagenaar survived that relatively easily by winning 3-6 against George Killington. Barney knew that a clash with Van Gerwen – who has missed several tournaments since the beginning of June due to dental surgery but has recovered – would await him if he wins for the second time this year.
That clash came on Saturday evening and became a prey for Van Barneveld. In the first six legs it was still equal, but at 3-3 the five-time world champion made the difference. Barney threw a 138-finish to take a 4-3 lead and never relinquished it. Van Barneveld eventually won 6-3 and thus recorded his first victory over Van Gerwen ever on the European Tour. It was also Van Barneveld’s first victory in a ranking tournament over Van Gerwen since the 2016 World Cup.
“Sometimes VfB Stuttgart can win against Bayern Munich,” Barney said with a laugh afterwards, pointing to his underdog role compared to favorite Van Gewen. ,,Michael is the best player in the world, but he didn’t play his best game today. Also, I never gave up. I work very hard every day and it pays off. I am very happy with this. This victory shows that a 56-year-old can still do it.”
Sensational Van Veen to third round
Earlier in the day, Van Veen continued his good line after his victory over Kist. He reached the third round, sensationally beating Damon Heta. Van Veen did not allow his opponent a leg, came to an average of 114.15 and a finish percentage of one hundred (!) Percentage. The 21-year-old darts player from Poederoijen also threw two more finishes over a hundred, including a 131 finish in the closing leg.
Van Duijvenbode also to the final day
Dirk van Duijvenbode also secured the final day in Trier. The Westlander was two weeks ago on behalf of Team Netherlands together with pairing partner Danny Noppert in the second round of the World Cup of Darts, but seems over it and had little trouble with Andrew Gilding: 6-2. Van Duijvenbode reached an average of just over a hundred and recorded a finish percentage of fifty percent.
Noppert comes into action in the last game of the day. He then pitches to James Wilson.
Tomorrow the tournament in Trier already has its climax. Then the third round, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final will be played on a packed day of darts. The European Darts Matchplay is the last tournament to count towards qualifying for the famous World Matchplay, later this month in Blackpool.
Program and results
This afternoon (from 1 pm):
Dave Chisnall-Ryan Joyce 3-6
Josh Rock – Brendan Dolan 6-0
Rob Cross – Mickey Mansell 6-4
Damon Heta-Gian van Veen 0-6
Nathan Aspinall-Martin Lukeman 6-5
Dirk van Duijvenbode-Andrew Gilding 6-2
Joe Cullen – Vitezslav Sedlak 6-3
Ross Smith-Stephen Bunting 5-6
Tonight (from 7 p.m.):
Jonny Clayton-James Wade 3-6
Dimitri Van den Bergh-Ricardo Pietreczko 6-3
Ryan Searle-Gabriel Clemens 6-5
Michael van Gerwen-Raymond van Barneveld 3-6
Michael Smith Keane Barry
Luke Humphries-Liam Maendl-Lawrance
Martin Schindler-Callan Rydz
Danny Noppert – James Wilson
Darts calendar 2023
View the here complete darts calendar for this year.
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