James Hurrell and Gabriel Clemens make their mark with nine-dart perfection at Players Championship 2

James Hurrell and Gabriel Clemens stole the spotlight on Tuesday by hitting nine-darters during the Players Championship 2 in Hildesheim. James Hurrell’s perfect leg came in his opening match at the second Players Championship event of the season. At 2-2 in his clash with Maik Kuivenhoven, the Englishman opened the fifth leg with back-to-back 180s. A 141 checkout followed on his third visit. Moments later, Hurrell edged the match 6-5.

It didn’t stop there for “Hillbilly,” as he also saw off Thomas Lovely (6-3) and Jermaine Wattimena (6-1) to reach the last 16. In that round he pushed Michael van Gerwen to the limit, but after a last-leg decider Hurrell had to concede. It was the third nine-darter of Hurrell’s career.

Clemens struck in the third round, sealing his match against Madars Razma in perfect fashion. After eight legs the score was 5-3 to the German. He then followed the classic route of 180-180-141 to complete the leg in nine darts and win the match.

It turned out to be a good day for the German overall. Not only did he throw his third official nine-darter, but thanks to wins over Ricardo Pietreczko (6-4), Darryl Pilgrim (6-3) and Madars Razma (6-3) he reached the last 16 at Players Championship 2. Ultimately, Danny Noppert proved too strong in the last 16 with a 6-2 victory.