VIDEO | "Last year, if I beat Luke Humphries I am the world champion" - Ricardo Pietreczko takes confidence from running Humphries close on Ally Pally debut

Ricardo Pietreczko has taken his place in the second round of the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship. Cruising through a potentially tricky tie against Chinese number one Xiaochen Zong, 'Pikachu' sealed a 3-0 victory to set up a second round showdown with Gian van Veen.

Pietreczko impressed at the Alexandra Palace last year, pushing Luke Humphries all the way before eventually falling to defeat in the third round. Since though, Pietreczko has failed to really kick on and and as such, returns to the World Championship without seeded status, opening himself up to the testing second round encounter with Van Veen.

"It's hard to put into words, but yeah, I'm over the moon to reach the second round," the German reflects happily in his post-match press conference afterwards. "The doubles, 56% success, it's very really good for me."

As mentioned, last year, the German gave the eventual world champion Luke Humphries a real run for his money in the third round, eventually falling to defeat in a final set decider. Nevertheless, his performance on his Alexandra Palace debut gives Pietreczko confidence upon his return, eager to cause damage this time around. "I'll try my best. Last year, if I beat Luke Humphries I am the world champion so why not go for the semis this year," he says confidently. "I know I can beat every guy and every woman on the tour."

Pietreczko also casts his eye over that aforementioned second round contest coming up against Van Veen, who has been in good form recently, winning the World Youth Championship and having a deep run at the Grand Slam of Darts. "I think I have a good feeling and I'll try my best to beat him and go to the third round."

Notably, that Pietreczko and Van Veen duel takes place on the final session of the World Darts Championship before the Christmas break on the evening of the 23rd of December.