The two Dutch darters will face each other in an official match for the 63rd time. Of the previous 62 duels, 42 were won by Van Gerwen. Nineteen times Van Barneveld was the strongest and once it was a draw in Premier League Darts. It will be only the fourth encounter between 'Mighty Mike' and 'Barney' since the latter's comeback in 2021. However, since Van Barneveld's return to the circuit, he has not yet managed to win over Van Gerwen.
In the shadow of the Dutch clash, there is another interesting fixture between former Premier League champions Jonny Clayton and James Wade. Furthermore, Danny Noppert is the third Dutchman in action on Saturday night. He will face James Wilson in the final match of the evening.
Dimitri van den Bergh is the only Belgian to appear on stage during the second round. 'The Dreammaker' faces Ricardo Pietreczko in the last 32. Gabriel Clemens will play in front of his own crowd against Ryan Searle.
Michael Smith will take on Keane Barry with his new darts equipment. It was announced earlier in the day that New Zealand darts brand Shot Darts has become his new dart supplier. Reportedly, 'Bullyboy' will play with his new arrows for the first time during this tournament. Luke Humphries will meet Marko Kantele for a spot in the third round, while Martin Schindler will face Callan Rydz.
During each Euro Tour tournament, £175,000 in prize money is distributed. All qualifiers are guaranteed £1,250, while the top-16 players on the placement list at the European Darts Matchplay will receive £2,500 anyway. However, these 16 players must win their first game in the second round for the prize money to actually count toward the world rankings and other rankings.
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Per victory, the prize money earned increases. For example, the finalists already receive a minimum of £12,000. The winner of the tournament goes home with the top prize of 30,000 pounds.
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