Kevin Doets qualified for the last sixteen at the
European Darts Open with a fine victory over Ricardo Pietreczko. The Dutchman won 6-4 over his German opponent.
Doets gained a 4-1 lead after hitting a 14-dart leg in the first few legs. Pietreczko then reduced the deficit with a 13-darter, before Doets also produced a 13-darter for a 5-2 lead. Pietreczko then closed the gap to 5-4, before the match was decided by Doets with a 12-darter.
Jeffrey de Graaf could not hold on against
Chris Dobey in the second round. The Swedish Dutchman was close to a stunt, but had to give in after a decisive leg.
De Graaf was allowed to dream of victory for a while after he managed to make up a 5-2 deficit. With three legs in a row he came back to 5-5. De Graaf was then allowed to start the last leg himself, but missed two matchdarts to crown his comeback. With a 67 finish the win went to Dobey.
The match between
Dave Chisnall and Luke Woodhouse also needed a deciding leg. The latter was leading 3-5, but Chisnall fought his way back to 5-5 with a 98 finish and a 62 check-out. In the last leg the game was decided by an 11-darter from Chisnall.
Ross Smith also returns to the stage of the European Darts Open on Sunday. 'Smudger' prevailed convincingly in the second round against Callan Rydz. Smith won the first three legs of the match and eventually recorded a 6-2 victory over his English compatriot.