Van Duijvenbode eliminates world champion Smith in Trier; Van Barneveld dumped out by Cullen

Sunday, 02 July 2023 at 19:55

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Dirk van Duijvenbode has joined the last four at the European Darts Matchplay in Trier. There will not be a Dutch clash in the semifinals, however, as Raymond van Barneveld was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

In the first quarterfinal, Van Barneveld faced Joe Cullen. The 56-year-old managed to lead 4-3 after trailing 0-2 by hitting 70 and 124. In the last legs, however, the dubbles let him down.

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After Cullen made it 4-4 via a 14-darter, Van Barneveld missed one chance on the bullseye in the ninth leg. Cullen then threw out 60 to break 'Barney'. Van Barneveld then had three chances to force a deciding leg, but could not capitalize on his opportunities. It was then Cullen who exploited his sixth matchdart for a spot in the semifinals.

So in that, a meeting with Van Duijvenbode, who was responsible for eliminating reigning world champion Michael Smith on Sunday night, awaits.

Van Duijvenbode started the match strongly, grabbing a 4-1 lead thanks to a 13-darter, 11-darter and an 85 finish. 'Aubergenius' then missed four chances at 5-1, after which Smith produced a fine 164 check-out. However, Van Duijvenbode then grabbed his fifth leg with a 14-darter. Smith came back to 5-4, but then Van Duijvenbode finished it off with a double 16.

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𝗥𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥 𝗕𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘𝗦 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗬 🎸 Former champion Joe Cullen becomes the first man through to the Semi-Finals in Trier after a 6-4 victory over Raymond van Barneveld! #EDM23