It's all getting a bit interesting at the PDC European Championship.
There were some notable casualties in the opening round. Two of the really big ones, Mensur Suljovic and Daryl Gurney, depart having been considered hot favourites to make the semi-finals. That's because the top half of the draw is stacked with top seeds. The PDC world number one and four-time European Championship winner is among them. Can anyone stop Mighty Mike?
There's three ties to be played before that particular question is asked. Joe Cullen and Michael Smith both powered away from their opponents to record decent first round wins. It's likely that the opening stages, at least, will be tight here too. Peter Wright was untouchable in a whitewash win over Jermaine Wattimena. Former European Championship winner Simon Whitlock will make things much tougher for Snakebite.
Rob Cross was threatened by Danny Noppert, but eventually went through. This time Voltage meets a bona fide giant killer. Richard North's win over Ian White was the one real surprise of the opening night. He'll believe that he can do the same again against the world champion.
And in the final tie, it's time to bring back that question. Next to offer up an answer is Steve West, who sneaked past close pal Mervyn King in round one. He's playing Michael van Gerwen, fresh off a 110.32 average and a 170 checkout against Paul Nicholson. The last time the Dutchman lost in this tournament was on July 7, 2013. A nere 1937 days later, it's West's turn to try his hand at overcoming this darting behemoth.
Click here to view more information on the European Championship.
There's three ties to be played before that particular question is asked. Joe Cullen and Michael Smith both powered away from their opponents to record decent first round wins. It's likely that the opening stages, at least, will be tight here too. Peter Wright was untouchable in a whitewash win over Jermaine Wattimena. Former European Championship winner Simon Whitlock will make things much tougher for Snakebite.
Rob Cross was threatened by Danny Noppert, but eventually went through. This time Voltage meets a bona fide giant killer. Richard North's win over Ian White was the one real surprise of the opening night. He'll believe that he can do the same again against the world champion.
And in the final tie, it's time to bring back that question. Next to offer up an answer is Steve West, who sneaked past close pal Mervyn King in round one. He's playing Michael van Gerwen, fresh off a 110.32 average and a 170 checkout against Paul Nicholson. The last time the Dutchman lost in this tournament was on July 7, 2013. A nere 1937 days later, it's West's turn to try his hand at overcoming this darting behemoth.
Click here to view more information on the European Championship.
Evening session schedule
Joe Cullen v Michael Smith Simon Whitlock v Peter Wright Richard North v Rob Cross Michael van Gerwen v Steve West
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- 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
- Many fans had a sour taste in their mouth by the end of this match. Mike was cruising to victory, playing beautiful darts, when the whistling started in earnest, particularly on his doubles. You could see in Mike's face that it was really affecting his concentration. The referee should have asked for order, just to show that the whistling is unacceptable, and Luke Littler could also have done his part to quieten down the crowd instead of "taking full advantage.:" I put that down to his age though. He needs some good advice on this from his management team and/or more seasoned players. It's got to be about who's best on the night, not who is being harassed by the crowd. Luke Littler played well to get back into the game and win, but it was a hollow victory. If he goes on to win the tournament, that triumph too will be tainted because of this match.
UndartedWaters15-11-2024 - Agree. Van der voort will be the one taking a break when he loses his tour card. Everyone saying about how bad Wright's last 18 months have been, and in that time he's won several Euro tours and the European Championships.Matilda6215-11-2024
- When Littler has at least five ranking Majors he’s in the discussion, until then, forget it.Mysstree14-11-2024