The shock exit of Peter Wright, plus a handful of his fellow seeds, makes it a very open field in Riesa. Ian White and Mensur Suljovic have won a
European Tour title already this season. However, the other 14 competitors would be opening their account, should they take the International Darts Open crown. For some, a big Sunday run could make or break their hopes of reaching some big end-of-season tournaments.
One player who won't have any problem making the majors is Ian White. The Diamond has a couple of tournament wins under his belt already this season. And after an excellent 108 average on Sunday, it's not far-fetched to consider the Stoke thrower the favourite to follow up on his Dutch Darts Championship success. Opponent James Richardson might have something to say about that, though.
White and Richardson kick us off on Sunday afternoon; they're followed by Simon Whitlock and Steve Beaton. Both squeezed through their last tie and this could be another close one. Joe Cullen plays Darren Webster in an all-English clash, and then Mensur Suljovic meets Danny Noppert. A win for the Dutchman could prove pivotal to his major prospects.
Jonny Clayton faces a tough tie in Riesa. His opponent is Steve West, who averaged a gobsmacking 111 in the second round. Adrian Lewis didn't need fireworks to see off Terry Jenkins, but some firepower will be required to out-shoot the Bullet, Stephen Bunting.
Daryl Gurney takes on Gerwyn Price in the penultimate tie, before two unseeded underdogs meet. Martin Schindler's dwindling Grand Prix hopes are somehow still alive. A semi-final is what he needs, at least. Between him and a miraculous burst into the Dublin spots is Snakebite-conquering Ryan Searle. This is a big moment for Searle, who could break new ground on the European Tour with a win.