PDC European Championship preview - Sunday afternoon session

This tournament has provided enough thrills and spills to keep us all satisfied. Even the identity of the sole remaining player to have won a PDC European Championship before is a surprise. It's Simon Whitlock, rather than Michael van Gerwen, who could yet add to his trophy haul in Dortmund. He plays the Dutchman's conqueror, Steve West, whose time to shine on the big stage might finally be here. Most expected van Gerwen vs Peter Wright. That would've been explosive - but this could be truly entertaining too.
Next up after West and Whitlock is the highest-ranked player left, according to the PDC Order of Merit. Rob Cross, a finalist in this event last year, must have loved watching rivals topple in Dortmund. But in Joe Cullen, the world champion faces a stern test. Though he can be erratic, Cullen can and will beat anyone on his day.
The third tie is sure to lift the roof in Dortmund. Max Hopp, buoyed by a heavily vocal home crowd, is the first German to reach a televised PDC quarter-final. He's very much on the Michael Unterbuchner trail - and he'd definitely take a semi-final berth, like his compatriot achieved at the Lakeside. But he faces a truly tough opponent. Darren Webster's just one major away from a Premier League spot, and he knows it.
The crowd may have nobbled Willie O'Connor and James Wilson, but a fully focused Demolition Man should be able to power through it. Hopp's got enough class to make it on his own, though - it may be down to holding the nerve, something which a 156 finish for each on Saturday suggests both have in their reserves.
The final match of the quarter-finals features the highest seed. International Darts Open champion Gerwyn Price has his eyes set on European Championship glory. He could even scrap his way into the world's top 10 this weekend. He'd be displacing the man he faces on Sunday afternoon, James Wade. Having cruised through his first two games, the Machine better be ready for a real slog in Dortmund.
Click here to view more information on the European Championship.

Steve West v Simon Whitlock Joe Cullen v Rob Cross Darren Webster v Max Hopp James Wade v Gerwyn Price