International Darts Open 2019 preview and schedule: Saturday 14 September, afternoon session

Four of the last five major champions play on Saturday afternoon at the International Darts Open.

Michael van Gerwen won't be around. In fact, he's giving the whole thing a miss. But there's plenty of quality on display. If the season finished tomorrow, Nathan Aspinall could consider his year a success. But it doesn't, and the Stockport star's fierce ambition will have him aiming for the stars. A first European Tour title would be a nice addition to his growing honours list. He comes into the International Darts Open having failed to make deep inroads into his last few tournaments. Justin Pipe is more than good enough to keep that mini-drought going.

Michael Rosenauer, the oldest of the five Germans participating in Riesa, used his experience to battle past Mike de Decker. His reward is a meeting with Krzysztof Ratajski, who comes into this as the sixth seed. That's followed by an all-English battle, with Glen Durrant taking on James Richardson.

Rob Cross can expect a tough tussle in the fourth game of the session. John Henderson was miles below his best on Friday, but it was enough to bear Brett Claydon. The Scot beat Cross in their last meeting, in a Players Championship 3 clash - Henderson averaged 102.9 that day, Cross notching up a 106.5 average himself. A repeat would be very welcome indeed.

All eight of these International Darts Open ties can be followed through our live score feature.

Price defence begins

William O'Connor needs to get a move on to qualify for the European Championship. It looks like it'll be a tight race, but there's a chance that one more win will do it. The Irishman won't have it easy against Adrian Lewis, however.

Daryl Gurney would've faced compatriot Mickey Mansell, had the left-hander not already left the building. Instead, he'll face off against Danny Noppert, whose scoring was promising even if he rode his luck a little on Friday. 'Noppie' would love to replicate last year's run to the semi-finals. Luke Woodhouse sealed a big win in all senses of the word against Manfred Bilderl; he'd love to go one better against Steve Beaton.

A year ago, Gerwyn Price took the International Darts Open title, beating an Australian in the final. Incidentally, his defence begins against another Antipodean ace. Kyle Anderson fell at the first hurdle in 2018, and almost did the same thing in 2019. Arron Monk couldn't land the killer blow, and so the Original now has a shot at the king. He best not miss.

International Darts Open schedule

Saturday afternoon session

12:00 Nathan Aspinall v Justin Pipe
12:30 Krzysztof Ratajski v Michael Rosenauer
13:00 Glen Durrant v James Richardson
13:30 Rob Cross v John Henderson
14:00 Adrian Lewis v William O'Connor
14:30 Daryl Gurney v Danny Noppert
15:00 Steve Beaton v Luke Woodhouse
15:30 Gerwyn Price v Kyle Anderson