Darting fans rejoice as the
European Tour is back with the
International Darts Open kicking proceedings off in Riesa, a familiar haunt in the so called 'mini-majors'.
Friday afternoon kicks proceedings off with ties against seeded players to be set up over the course of the two sessions.
David Schlichting and Brian Raman will make their debuts on the European Tour to start proceedings off after coming through qualifiers in the past few days. A tie with Jose de Sousa awaits the winner.
Jermaine Wattimena then faces Niko Springer with the winner then taking on Brendan Dolan tomorrow, the 14th seed.
Joe Cullen is top seed in Germany and won the tournament last time it was held two years ago. He will face either Madars Razma or Wayne Jones who face off third up in the session.
Young German prodigy, Fabian Schmutzler will hope to continue his darting rise by knocking out Daryl Gurney who is one of the biggest names involved in the first round as well as Vincent van der Voort who takes on Adam Gawlas, fresh from the Czech ace producing some blockbuster displays at times on the ProTour. Both will have their eyes on big name scalps with Damon Heta and James Wade awaiting.
Peter Wright will face the winner of Luke Woodhouse against Andy Boulton, while Keane Barry takes on Ron Meulenkamp with Michael van Gerwen to come for the winner. Before Gerwyn Price's opponent is confirmed with either Ryan Searle or Ritchie Edhouse awaiting in a tough start.
Schedule of Play
Friday February 25
First Round
Afternoon Session (1300 local time, 1200 GMT)
David Schlichting v Brian Raman
Jermaine Wattimena v Niko Springer
Madars Razma v Wayne Jones
Fabian Schmutzler v Daryl Gurney
Adam Gawlas v Vincent van der Voort
Luke Woodhouse v Andy Boulton
Keane Barry v Ron Meulenkamp
Ryan Searle v Ritchie Edhouse