For the second time in his career, Gabriel Clemens has made it into the round of 16 at the Darts World Championship.
In a gripping world championship fight against Jim Williams from Wales, the “German Giant” turned a game that was almost lost and won 4:3 in the end.
Clemens initially showed himself to be in top form in London’s Alexandre Palace. In the first set, the German had the upper hand with 3:1 legs and checked out with a double five.
In the second set, Jim Williams also proved why he was right to move into the third round of the Darts World Championship. With 3:0 legs, the 38-year-old equalized the set. At this point, the averages were 92.5 for Williams compared to 93.2 for “Gaga” Clemens.
From then on, an open and sometimes high-class game developed between the Welshman and Clemens. “The Quiff” went on with a break in set three, but couldn’t hold the set. With a 157 finish, Clemens provided the highlight of the match so far, ultimately securing the third set with 3:2 legs.
Williams was able to counter again and won the fourth round 3-2. In the meantime, both pros were already scraping at an average recording of 100 points.
Clemens hits the bullseye with his first match dart
During the last three sets, the mood in Ally Pally boiled more and more. The pendulum seemed to swing in the direction of the Welshman at first, as Jim Williams took the lead with 3:2 sets. In the sixth set he even had a match dart, but narrowly missed it.
Gabriel Clemens fought his way back into this third round game with an irresistible comeback and turned the score again in the decider.
The seventh and last set was then decided by the “German Giant” with a strong finish on the bullseye and the victory made perfect.
“I was actually dead – and somehow managed to pull my head out of the noose. I had a few good moments,” said Clemens, who, like in his opening win against Irishman William O’Connor, said “Oh, how is it the beautiful” chanting was celebrated in the raging Alexandra Palace.
The German now meets the winner of the game Danny Noppert against Alan Soutar in the World Cup round of 16 on Thursday. “It doesn’t matter now who comes there. In the round of 16 there won’t be any worse ones,” said Clemens to his possible opponents: “I have to look at myself, then I can be dangerous to everyone.”