The
Nordic Darts Masters began on Friday night with many talking points as the World Series finally returned heading into Saturday afternoon's Quarter-Finals.
None more than Gerwyn Price's withdrawal in the early hours of Saturday morning following his victory over Daniel Larsson 6-3.
It was an under par display from the World Number One who noted afterwards the potential was there for him to withdraw due to an ongoing tennis elbow problem.
But with no withdrawal forthcoming until the session ended, many thought 'The King of the Palace' would face 'The Queen of the Palace' in Fallon Sherrock tomorrow.
In the end though, Price did withdraw and decided to put his long-term health over this weekend with a stacked schedule to come before the end of the year.
As a result, Sherrock in her full World Series debut will recieve a bye through to the semi-finals where the winner of the first Quarter-Final of the afternoon session will await in
Gary Anderson or
Dimitri van den Bergh.
Van den Bergh kicked off Friday evening and survived a real scare against Johan Engström winning through 6-4.
While for Anderson who hasn't played since the World Matchplay - it was as ever a waiting game to see if 'The Flying Scotsman' was ready to perform.
He did so against Danish youngster Andreas Toft Jørgensen averaging 95.4 albeit missing 15 darts at doubles which he knows he will need to improve to see off 'The Dreammaker'.
Jonny Clayton was the standout performer early on in Copenhagen as he took out Ivan Springborg Poulsen averaging 99 with a high checkout of 161.
He will hope
Peter Wright's opening display is a sign of things to come in their tie with 'Snakebite' strolling through but not at his best at all averaging just 88.6 against Marko Kantele.
If both are at their best, it could produce a thriller over the best of 19 legs.
Awaiting could be
Michael van Gerwen who both have a good record against as of late and will hope to continue his barren run.
While for 'Mighty Mike', he first has to navigate past the only Nordic and Baltic representative still involved albeit an established Tour Card holder in his own right in
Madars Razma.
Razma will hope to do what his friend, Darius Labanauskas couldn't do and that was take out the Green Machine who produced a clinical last two legs to deny 'Lucky D' who was 5-4 up and seemingly about to dump him out.
The Latvian saw off Nathan Aspinall in an impressive display and if he can take his chances could hand MVG another barren weekend. A lot to ponder going into the final day in Denmark.
2021 Nordic Darts Masters Schedule
Saturday September 18
Afternoon Session (1300 local time, 1200 BST)
Quarter-Finals
Fallon Sherrock Bye (Gerwyn Price withdrew)
Dimitri Van den Bergh v Gary Anderson
Peter Wright v Jonny Clayton
Michael van Gerwen v Madars Razma