World Cup of Darts 2020 preview and schedule: Saturday 7 November evening session with Wales, Scotland and the Netherlands

Saturday, 07 November 2020 at 17:30

The second round evening session at the World Cup of Darts features a big group of top contenders.

Australia had an early chance to have their mettle tested. The Republic of Ireland test was one that Simon Whitlock and Damon Heta passed with flying colours. The former World Cup of Darts runners-up appear to have strong chemistry, and enough firepower to take them a long way. The Krzysztofs, Ratajski and Kciuk, will have something to say about that. With each singles tie looking like it'll be a tight one, absolutely anything could happen.

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The best performance in the Wales-Russia match came from Boris Koltsov, who showed remarkable fortitude to play just after learning of the death of his father. The darting world wishes Koltsov all the best.

On the oche, Wales brought their A-game, furthering their claims to being the tournament favourites. Gerwyn Price's heavy scoring is going to cause any singles opponent issues. They take on a Scotland side whose opening win against Japan was concerning, not comforting. Robert Thornton in particular was erratic, though John Henderson didn't show his best. Both are capable of giving Price and Jonny Clayton a game, but only if they shake off the early rustiness quickly.

Not many would've had Germany down as their pick for the best first round performance, but Max Hopp and Gabriel Clemens are getting on like a house on fire. Buoyed by Clemens' 100 average, the Germans swatted Finland aside. Greece were similarly impressive, and raised hopes that Veniamin Symeonidis can raise his game alongside John Michael. That being said, you'd still think that it falls to Michael to get Greece to a deciding doubles rubber.

The Netherlands put in exactly the sort of showing they'd have wanted to, first time out. Michael van Gerwen and Danny Noppert seem to be the sort of partnership you'd expect them to be. Most telling was the post-match interview, where it was clear that the duo are feeling relaxed and having fun. Being passionate about winning is a big part of doing well here (compare Kim Huybrechts and Daryl Gurney on that topic), but a good team is one that enjoys playing together. They should have a ball against a Spain side that hobbled to a win against Italy, and don't look at all prepared to cause a seismic shock.