"Against MVG I will try my very best" - Ricardo Pietreczko hoping to ride wave of German support to victory over Van Gerwen at European Championship

One of the hottest prospects in the world of darts, Ricardo Pietreczko pulled off the latest in a string of big wins in the first round European Championship, knocking out defending champion Ross Smith to the delight of a raucous German crowd.

"It's unbelievable. I can't believe it," a shocked Pietreczko said in his post-match press conference, before praising the Dortmund crowd for their immense support. "I could really feel the crowd. I hope I can give back."

Pietreczko has gone from strength to strength in 2023, the highlight of which must be his recent success on the Euro Tour where he ruthlessly demolished Peter Wright in the final of the German Darts Championship to take the title.

"It's a very nice step for me, a great step and I've looked forward to this tournament and I'll try my best to win the next game," he assesses. "I've never played in front of as bigger crowd as this in Dortmund. It's unbelievable."

In the next round, Pietreczko facing the challenging foe of Michael van Gerwen. "Tomorrow against MVG I will try my very best," having already beating the Dutchman on the Euro Tour this season though, does Pietreczko have the advantage? "I hope so. It might be in the back of the mind for him but I think there's a little bit of pressure on me to beat him in front of this crowd."