The second day of the Austrian Darts Open in Graz delivered incredible drama! Fans witnessed a rare and spectacular moment as Spain’s Cristo Reyes achieved a perfect nine-dart finish, one of darts’ most celebrated feats, en route to a thrilling 6-4 victory over Damon Heta. However, it wasn’t just about perfection; the tournament also saw five seeded players unexpectedly knocked out, setting the stage for an unpredictable weekend. Get ready for a full recap of all the upsets and standout performances!
Reyes’ Perfect Nine-Darter: A Moment for the Ages
The afternoon session’s undisputed highlight came from Cristo Reyes, “The Spartan,” who etched his name into darts history with a flawless nine-dart finish. In the fourth leg against Damon Heta, Reyes hit two consecutive 180s, followed by a Triple 20, Triple 19, and a Double 12 to level the score at 2-2. The crowd erupted, celebrating a moment that only the very best in darts achieve.
Reyes didn’t stop there, winning the next two legs and even hitting six more perfect darts in the eighth leg. He sealed his 6-4 win with an impressive 11-dart finish, cementing a truly memorable performance.
Seeds Tumble: Favorites Face Early Exits
The Austrian Darts Open proved to be a graveyard for several highly-ranked players, with five seeded competitors bowing out on Saturday afternoon. This series of upsets has blown the tournament wide open, promising an exciting conclusion.
- Ryan Searle (Seeded 6) faced a clear 2-6 defeat against Kevin Doets. Searle, who has struggled this European Tour season, couldn’t find his form, allowing Doets to pull away decisively.
- Jermaine Wattimena (Seeded 10) was eliminated by an in-form Andrew Gilding, losing 4-6. Gilding significantly improved his average from the previous day, showcasing why he’s a dangerous opponent.
- Mike De Decker (Seeded 11) continued his run of poor form, falling 3-6 to Ryan Joyce. Despite a spectacular 130-bull finish, De Decker couldn’t overcome Joyce’s consistent scoring and finishing.
Thrilling Encounters and Standout Performances
Beyond the upsets and perfection, several matches delivered high-quality darts and nail-biting finishes:
- Kim Huybrechts vs. Chris Dobey: This match was a true battle, going down to a deciding leg. Huybrechts, “The Hurricane,” clinched the victory with a stunning 132-bullseye finish, leaving Dobey as a mere spectator in a thrilling finale.
- Rob Cross vs. William O’Connor: “Voltage” Rob Cross secured a solid 6-3 win against a strong O’Connor. After seven legs went with the throw, Cross delivered a crucial 11-dart break in the eighth leg to take control and close out the match.
- Ross Smith vs. Niels Zonneveld: “Smudger” Ross Smith started strong, building a 3-0 lead and eventually winning 6-3. Despite Zonneveld showing flashes of brilliance, Smith’s early dominance and consistent finishing proved too much.
- Luke Woodhouse vs. Robert Owen: Luke Woodhouse delivered a dominant performance, securing a swift 6-1 victory. He raced to a 4-0 lead and, despite a brilliant 135-finish from Owen for his solitary leg, Woodhouse quickly closed out the match.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Glory and Prize Money
The tournament continues with the evening session, where the second round will be completed, featuring more top players battling for a spot in the next stage. With the field now wide open, every match promises intense competition.
What’s at Stake: Prize Money and Ranking Points
The Austrian Darts Open boasts a substantial prize fund, with a total of £230,000 up for grabs. The ultimate champion will walk away with an impressive £35,000.
It’s crucial for the 32 pre-qualified players (via the PDC Order of Merit and Pro Tour Order of Merit) to win their opening matches. While all players receive prize money, only victories in the first round and beyond count towards their official ranking totals on the PDC Order of Merit, European Tour Order of Merit, and Pro Tour Order of Merit. Losing an opening match means the prize money is paid out but does not contribute to these vital rankings.
Here’s a breakdown of the prize money:
- Winner: £35,000
- Runner-Up: £15,000
- Semi-Finals: £10,000
- Quarter-Finals: £8,000
- Last 16: £5,000
- Last 32 (2nd Round): £3,500
- Last 64 (1st Round): £2,000
The excitement continues as players vie for both financial reward and crucial ranking points in their quest for darts supremacy.
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
