Luke Woodhouse first into Quarter-Finals at European Championship Darts after win over Ryan Searle

PDC
Saturday, 26 October 2024 at 13:57
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Luke Woodhouse has become the first player to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the European Darts Championship. 'The Shed' won 10-8 Saturday afternoon in the second round over Ryan Searle, who had knocked out Raymond van Barneveld in the first round.
For Woodhouse, it is only the second time in his career that he has reached the semifinals at a major tournament. Last time was at the Players Championship Finals in 2023. Earlier this year, he did reach the last sixteen at the UK Open.
The 36-year-old gained a 2-1 lead early in the match by throwing out 78 and 86 and then posted a break with a 90 checkout. However, Woodhouse was then not out in five innings and had to accept a rebreak after a 14-darter from Searle.
Searle then came back to 3-3 via double 10. After Woodhouse missed three chances on tops to keep his own leg, Searle even took a break lead after a 17-darter. Searle then made it 5-3 with a 14-darter. Woodhouse threw out 79 to close to 4-5. Then just before the break, Searle made a mistake by missing two darts on the double. Woodhouse did find the double and signed for the equalizer via double 10.
After the break, Woodhouse took control. He kept his own leg with a 108 finish and then took advantage of a bad leg by Searle. A 14-darter made it 7-5 and then another 14-darter followed for an 8-5 lead.
However, things still got exciting after Woodhouse missed a chance to make it 9-6. Searle threw a 17-darter and a 14-darter to get back to 8-8. However, Woodhouse retained the initiative by throwing a 13-darter for a 9-8 lead.
Searle needed to keep his own leg to drag out a leg-decider, but missed a chance at double 14 for 9-9. However, Woodhouse also had a two-dart finish left after nine arrows and threw out 87 for the win.