First another win over Michael van Gerwen, then replacing him as Austrian Darts Open top seed. It has been a good week for Peter Wright.
Due to the world number one's absence, it's Snakebite's time to shine in Graz. Having lost in two European Tour finals in 2018, the Austrian Darts Open might be a breakthrough tournament. But there are a lot of games to be played before then. Eight of them come in Saturday's evening session, where the last 16 will be finalised.
Wright's first taste of big stage darts was the 1995 BDO World Championship. He lost to Richie Burnett, who went on to take the Lakeside title. Their paths have diverged since. But Burnett is back, and cruised into the second round. The Prince of Wales meets Darren Webster, with the winner taking on the victor of the evening's second match in the last 16. That match is between Daryl Gurney and Ron Meulenkamp. The Dutchman dumped Gurney out of the European Darts Open in the second round, and will be hoping that history repeats itself. Following that tie is Simon Whitlock's match against Adam Hunt. The Wizard has been in terrible form, and a defeat to Hunt would only compound his misery. The fourth tie sees Jelle Klaasen pitch his wits against Cristo Reyes.
World champion Rob Cross then steps onto the Graz stage. Voltage is still yet to win a European Tour title. His quest for the maiden victory begins with a tricky tussle against Steve West, who was excellent in a first round dismantling of Ronny Huybrechts. Max Hopp narrowly survived a scare against Stephen Burton in the first round. The German Darts Open continues his Austrian adventure against Jonny Clayton. Then it's Wright's turn. The Scot could not have a tougher unseeded opponent. James Wade is in fine fettle, meaning this one could be too close to call. The evening climaxes with Austria's favourite darting son beginning a mission to win on home soil, just as Hopp did last week. Mensur Suljovic - plus the crowd - takes on Darius Labanauskas. Play begins at 6.15pm, with PDC TV streaming the action live.
Wright's first taste of big stage darts was the 1995 BDO World Championship. He lost to Richie Burnett, who went on to take the Lakeside title. Their paths have diverged since. But Burnett is back, and cruised into the second round. The Prince of Wales meets Darren Webster, with the winner taking on the victor of the evening's second match in the last 16. That match is between Daryl Gurney and Ron Meulenkamp. The Dutchman dumped Gurney out of the European Darts Open in the second round, and will be hoping that history repeats itself. Following that tie is Simon Whitlock's match against Adam Hunt. The Wizard has been in terrible form, and a defeat to Hunt would only compound his misery. The fourth tie sees Jelle Klaasen pitch his wits against Cristo Reyes.
World champion Rob Cross then steps onto the Graz stage. Voltage is still yet to win a European Tour title. His quest for the maiden victory begins with a tricky tussle against Steve West, who was excellent in a first round dismantling of Ronny Huybrechts. Max Hopp narrowly survived a scare against Stephen Burton in the first round. The German Darts Open continues his Austrian adventure against Jonny Clayton. Then it's Wright's turn. The Scot could not have a tougher unseeded opponent. James Wade is in fine fettle, meaning this one could be too close to call. The evening climaxes with Austria's favourite darting son beginning a mission to win on home soil, just as Hopp did last week. Mensur Suljovic - plus the crowd - takes on Darius Labanauskas. Play begins at 6.15pm, with PDC TV streaming the action live.
Evening Session Schedule
Darren Webster vs Richie Burnett
Daryl Gurney vs Ron Meulenkamp
Simon Whitlock vs Adam Hunt
Jelle Klaasen vs Cristo Reyes
Rob Cross vs Steve West
Jonny Clayton vs Max Hopp
Peter Wright vs James Wade
Mensur Suljovic vs Darius Labanauskas
Daryl Gurney vs Ron Meulenkamp
Simon Whitlock vs Adam Hunt
Jelle Klaasen vs Cristo Reyes
Rob Cross vs Steve West
Jonny Clayton vs Max Hopp
Peter Wright vs James Wade
Mensur Suljovic vs Darius Labanauskas
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- The pundits glossing over the other factor at play in that match. They appear to be somewhat constrained in what they can say publicly.
UndartedWaters16-11-2024 - So, you don't like Littler, then? I was cheering him on, being a fellow Englishman. Honestly, some of us get far too offended nowadays. If you want to see crowd passion... watch a match when German and Dutch players face off... that can be just as bad if not worse for crowd noises. It happens, I have watched and heard Littler being jeered - Dirk van Duijvenbode in Holland, January this year. Where was your outrage then? Yes, I can clearly see what is going on here.MrYnyslas197116-11-2024
- It happens. Remember, anyone who has watched German and Dutch players in matches - their respective countries will have seen/heard just as bad jeering (if not worse). Taylor and MVG are two prime examples of professionals who are able to cope with the crowds mentally and not take it personally. This is not just an English crowd problem, FFS.MrYnyslas197116-11-2024
- Was watching an old World Masters final the other day between Eric Bristow and John Lowe, the crowd respect for both players on throw was first class, not a sound. You can imagine now the idiots who were whistling on De Deckers throw proudly boasting about it on social media. I blame the PDC to a certain extent though doubt they really care as they win regardless of which player wins or loses.Mysstree16-11-2024
- @UndartedWaters I totally agree with your thoughts! I totally respect Kirk but in this instance I was disappointed with his lack of crowd control. I even turned to my husband and said "Could you imagine this happening if Russ Bray was the referee tonight? At least there would have been a crowd admonishment- Ladies and Gentleman please." I so felt for Mike DeDecker...MamaVenus15-11-2024