"I learned a lot last year" - Ricardo Pietreczko cites narrow Humphries loss at the World Championship as key moment in his development

Ricardo Pietreczko has qualified for the last 32 at the PDC World Darts Championship for the second year in a row. 'Pikachu' was too strong for Gian van Veen in the second round on Monday night, winning 3-1, and will now face last year's semifinalist Scott Williams.

"I'm over the moon to win this game. It's really important for me to stay in the third round after Christmas," 'Pikachu' assessed afterwards when speaking to the assembled darting media at the Alexandra Palace. "Gian is a really great player, in the top 32 and he has had a great year. So it's really cool for me to beat him and win this game."

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Given the vast number of German fans that flock to the Ally Pally every year, Pietreczko could count on some vocal support during the match. "The crowd was great," he beams. "I love the atmosphere in Alexandra Palace, it drives me to good performances."

Ricardo Pietreczko in action at the Worlds

Pietreczko is still the only German in contention at the World Darts Championship. "I will try my very best to be the best German and yeah, I think it's really important for me to be still in the World Championship," he says.

The 30-year-old German thus matches his performance from last year, when he also reached the third round at the World Darts Championship. "I learned a lot last year (in losing 4-3 to eventual champion Luke Humphries ed.). I have more experience and I can show that now for next time."

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