Alexander Merkx has qualified for the last sixteen at the WDF World Championship in Frimley Green at the expense of compatriot Arjan Konterman. It was Merkx's debut the iconic stage of the Lakside.
As thirteenth seeded player, he had a bye in the first round, while Konterman had won 2-0 in sets from Danny Porter in the opening round. Konterman managed to win the first set of the Dutch duel 3-0, but lost grip on the match after losing the second set. That one went over the full five legs. With a 19-darter, this set was won 3-2 by Merkx.
Merkx then got into the match better and took the third set 3-0. By also taking the first two legs of the fourth set, 'Alexander the Great' was close to winning the match. Konterman came back to 2-2 in the fourth set, but a 15-darter secured Merkx a spot in the eighth finals. There a confrontation awaits with Dennis Nilsson, who was too strong for James Hurrell in the second round with 3-2 in sets.
In the women's tournament, Rhian O'Sullivan effortlessly made it to the last eight at
Lakeside. With an excellent match (85 average) the Welshwoman defeated her opponent Suzanne Smith 2-0 in sets. In both sets O'Sullivan did not surrender a single leg.
