Hopp makes history by stunning Cross to reach final in Saarbrucken
NewsSunday, 15 April 2018 at 21:31
Max Hopp has stunned the darting world by reaching the final in Saarbrucken where he will face Michael Smith in a historic moment for German darts.
'The Maximiser' reached the Quarter-Final at the last event but barring that this upturn in form has come from nowhere. He defeated Rob Cross, the World Champion in an absolute epic.
He missed three match darts at 6-5 and Cross broke back on tops. From here most people would think Cross would go onto win it but the German Number 1 hit a stunning 121 checkout to win the match.
As well as having a 100 average he hit five 180's with the potential now for him to make further history by becoming the first German winner of a Euro Tour and PDC ranking title.
Semi-Finals -
Michael Smith (107.24) 7-1 (96.2) Ian White
Max Hopp (100.23) 7-6 (99.19) Rob Cross
Final -
Michael Smith vs Max Hopp
He missed three match darts at 6-5 and Cross broke back on tops. From here most people would think Cross would go onto win it but the German Number 1 hit a stunning 121 checkout to win the match.
As well as having a 100 average he hit five 180's with the potential now for him to make further history by becoming the first German winner of a Euro Tour and PDC ranking title.
Semi-Finals -
Michael Smith (107.24) 7-1 (96.2) Ian White
Max Hopp (100.23) 7-6 (99.19) Rob Cross
Final -
Michael Smith vs Max Hopp
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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