Qualifying Race European Championship: Aspinall improves hopes as Van Duijvenbode closes in on miracle

The miracle has almost happened for Dirk van Duijvenbode. The Dutchman had to be very lucky at the Czech Darts Open this weekend to still be able to compete in the European Championship, but now almost all signs are green.

The 32-year-old Dutchman had failed to qualify for the final Euro Tour tournament of the season. Van Duijvenbode occupied 31st on the Euro Tour Order of Merit, while many of his competitors did compete at the Euro Tour tournament in Prague.

However, Madars Razma (number 33), Callan Rydz (number 34), Cameron Menzies (number 35), Brendan Dolan (number 38), Dimitri van den Bergh (number 39) and Kevin Doets (number 41) were all eliminated in the first round. However, Nathan Aspinall (who started the tournament as number 32) did win, so 'The Asp' did relegate the Dutchman to spot 32.

However, something special must happen if Van Duijvenbode is to miss out on participation in the European Championship. Niels Zonneveld, Krzysztof Ratajski and Martin Lukeman must then reach the final of the Czech Darts Open, while Alan Soutar, Pavel Drtil and Kim Huybrechts must win the tournament.