Sunday afternoon the eight matches of the third round will be played at the
Czech Darts Open in Prague. No fewer than five Dutchmen and two Belgians take to the oche, including the clash between Raymond van Barneveld and Jermaine Wattimena.
Niels Zonneveld will face Ricardo Pietreczko in the opener. Zonneveld caused a huge stunt in the previous round by sending Dave Chisnall home 6-2. Chizzy' had already won two Euro Tours this year but this time he was no match for Zonneveld. The Dutchman lost last month against Pietreczko in the second round of the Hungarian Darts Trophy and is looking for revenge.
Afterwards, Jonny Clayton and Michael Smith meet in a duel of multiple major winners. In their mutual matches this year, it is 2-1 for Clayton, so wait and see if Smith can balance the boards.
Kim Huybrechts comes into action in the third match of the afternoon session. The Hurricane' had originally not qualified for the Czech Darts Open, but due to the withdrawal of the sick Rob Cross he was allowed to travel to Prague. Because Cross was one of the top seeds, Huybrechts only had to play his first match in the second round. With a 6-5 win, he not only secured himself a World Championship spot, he also got to play again in the third round against Czech Pavel Drtil. This qualifier very surprisingly defeated successively Joe Cullen and Josh Rock, will he ensure another stunt against Huybrechts?
In an all-Dutch clash, Raymond van Barneveld will meet in the fourth match of the afternoon. Van Barneveld and Wattimena know each other particularly well and also train together regularly. Their last match together dates back to the beginning of this year when Van Barneveld was too strong for his compatriot at Players Championship 5, 6-3. Wattimena beat Chris Dobey in the previous round with an average of over 107, it remains to be seen whether he can match or maybe even improve that against Van Barneveld.
Michael van Gerwen won another Players Championship this week
After Van Barneveld and Wattimena, Michael van Gerwen may enter the fray. Mighty Mike', for whom the World Grand Prix ended in disappointment last week, was successful at the Players Championship last week. Van Gerwen already won the Hungarian Darts Trophy earlier this year and the 'King of the Euro Tour' would like to add a second title this weekend. If so, he will have to face Alan Soutar, who is blowing a bit hot and cold this year, but did provide a small shock in the previous round by beating Ross Smith 6-5.
Damon Heta against Luke Littler next promises to be a match between two players piling up high averages. Certainly Littler picked up again in the previous round with a 6-1 win against Nathan Aspinall and a 110+ average.
After Heta and Littler, it is the turn of the fifth and final Dutchman in this afternoon session. Gian van Veen, finalist at the Hungarian Darts Trophy last month, takes on reigning world champion Luke Humphries in the third round.
Mike De Decker won last week's World Grand Prix
Rounding out the afternoon session will be Mike De Decker and Martin Schindler. De Decker surprised friend and foe last week with a first major title and looks to continue that top form this weekend. In the previous round, 'The Real Deal' made mincemeat of Danny Noppert 6-0. Against Schindler he meets a player who is also in excellent form this year, 'The Wall' already won two Euro Tours.
TV and live stream
The Czech Darts Open will be broadcast on Viaplay and
PDC TV. As usual with Euro Tour tournaments, this event consists of three tournament days. The afternoon sessions start daily at 12 p.m., while the evening sessions start at 6 p.m.
The first round will take place on Friday. The 16 Order of Merit qualifiers and the winners from the various qualifying tournaments then make their appearance. The top-16 seeded players enter the tournament on Saturday in the second round. Sunday will see the denouement of the tournament, starting with the third round in the afternoon session. Sunday evening will be followed by the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals.
Distribution of prize money
At this Euro Tour tournament, a total of £175,000 in prize money will be divided among the 48 participants. They will receive at least 1250 pounds in starting money. The top-16 seeded players who enter the Czech Darts Open from the second round will receive 2,500 pounds anyway.
They do - like the 16 Order of Merit qualifiers starting in the first round - have to win their first match in order for the prize money to count toward the world rankings and the other rankings. The winner of the Czech Darts Open will ultimately go home with the top prize of 30,000 pounds.
Format
First round: Best of 11 legs
Second round: Best of 11 legs
Third round: Best of 11 legs
Quarterfinals: Best of 11 legs
Semifinals: Best of 13 legs
Final: Best of 15 legs
Schedule Czech Darts Open 2024
Sunday, Oct. 20
Afternoon session (from 12 p.m.)
Third round
Niels Zonneveld v Ricardo Pietreczko
Jonny Clayton v Michael Smith
Pavel Drtil v Kim Huybrechts
Raymond van Barneveld v Jermaine Wattimena
Alan Soutar v Michael van Gerwen
Damon Heta v Luke Littler
Luke Humphries v Gian van Veen
Mike de Decker v Martin Schindler