Darts Drama Unleashed: Underdogs Shock Favorites at International Darts Open!
The International Darts Open in Riesa delivered a thrilling afternoon session, marked by stunning upsets and nail-biting finishes. The biggest shock came from Germany’s Ricardo Pietreczko, who defied expectations to defeat world No. 7 Danny Noppert 6-5, securing his spot in the Last 16. This session saw four matches go down to a deciding leg, showcasing incredible resilience and dramatic comebacks from players like Jermaine Wattimena, Kevin Doets, and Wessel Nijman. Favorites like Josh Rock also faced unexpected defeats, making for an unforgettable day of darts.
Pietreczko’s Fairytale Run: German Underdog Stuns Noppert
Few predicted Ricardo Pietreczko, affectionately known as “Pikachu,” would reach the Last 16 of a European Tour event. Yet, with a refined throwing action, he pulled off a sensational 6-5 victory over the formidable Dutch star Danny Noppert. This win not only propelled him into the next round, where he will face Ross Smith, but also guaranteed his largest payday of the year. The match was a rollercoaster:
- Noppert initially took a 2-0 lead.
- A missed 120 finish by Noppert opened the door, allowing Pietreczko to get on the board via D6.
- Pietreczko capitalized on Noppert’s struggles, hitting a spectacular 142 checkout to electrify the crowd.
- “Pikachu” continued his flawless doubling, storming to a commanding 5-2 advantage.
- Noppert fought back with an 11-darter and a 13-darter, narrowing the gap to 5-4.
- A 90 finish from Noppert forced a decider, but Pietreczko held his nerve, converting his third match dart to seal a memorable victory.
Battle for the Last 16: Other Thrilling Encounters
Smith Dominates Cullen in High-Quality Clash
In what was arguably the highest-quality match of the session, Ross Smith secured his spot in the Last 16 with a 6-3 win over Joe Cullen. Both players traded legs early on, with breaks of throw keeping the score level at 3-3. However, Smith remained composed under pressure, winning two crucial legs to establish a 5-3 lead. Cullen then squandered three checkout darts, allowing Smith to close out the match.
Wattimena Survives Brooks’ Challenge in Decider
The afternoon kicked off with high drama as Jermaine Wattimena narrowly escaped defeat, beating Bradley Brooks 6-5. Brooks will surely rue letting this match slip away. He exploited Wattimena’s early struggles on the doubles to race into a 3-0 lead. Although Wattimena found his first double in the fourth leg, Brooks quickly re-established his advantage. However, Brooks then lost his own doubling touch, allowing Wattimena to claw back to 4-4. After two more breaks, the match headed to a deciding leg, where both players battled severe double trouble before Wattimena eventually found D1 to cross the finish line.
Doets Holds Off Woodhouse’s Resurgence
Kevin Doets continued his strong form, defeating Luke Woodhouse 6-5 in a battle between two recent Pro Tour winners. Doets initially built a significant lead, but Woodhouse mounted a fierce comeback. Doets broke throw to lead 3-1 and extended his advantage to 5-2. Yet, Woodhouse refused to give up, winning three consecutive legs to deny Doets any match darts and force a decider. In the final leg, Woodhouse’s scoring power deserted him, allowing Doets to comfortably secure his Last 16 place.
Heta Secures Crucial Win for World Matchplay Hopes
The race for World Matchplay spots intensified as Damon Heta delivered a vital 6-2 victory over Niels Zonneveld. Heta showcased an exceptional 75% checkout rate, compared to Zonneveld’s 25%. The first four legs went with the throw, but Heta secured the crucial first break in the sixth leg, taking a 4-2 lead after Zonneveld missed two darts at double 10. Heta then closed out the match swiftly, making his first European Tour Last 16 appearance of the year.
Cross Powers Past De Decker with Impressive Average
Rob Cross, competing as a reserve, continued to make the most of his opportunity, delivering a convincing 6-2 win over Mike De Decker with an impressive 99 average. “Voltage” faced early double trouble, falling 0-2 behind. However, De Decker failed to extend his lead, allowing Cross to break back in the third leg and level at 2-2. The former World Champion then surged ahead with an 11-darter and clinically finished his chances in the subsequent legs, leaving De Decker unable to convert his own opportunities.
Nijman’s Dramatic Comeback Against O’Connor
The encounter between Wessel Nijman and William O’Connor was another fiercely contested match that went to a deciding leg. Nijman ultimately prevailed 6-5, despite trailing 3-5 at one point. O’Connor secured early breaks, but Nijman’s superior scoring kept him in contention. O’Connor missed bull for the match on a 124 finish, allowing Nijman to hit D19 and force a decider. Nijman remained composed in the final leg, closing out the match with a 106 finish.
Menzies Mounts Epic Reversal Against Rock
The session concluded with an astonishing comeback from Cameron Menzies, who defeated Josh Rock 6-4 after “Rocky” had initially stormed into a 4-0 lead. Menzies missed early break chances, while Rock was clinical. Rock capitalised, even hitting six perfect darts on his way to a dominant 4-0 advantage. He nearly made it 5-0 with a 143 finish, but after missing, Menzies found his stride. Menzies secured his first leg on D20, then followed with a 13-darter to make it 2-4. Rock’s doubling problems became severe, allowing Menzies to level at 4-4. The Scot then hit an 11-darter to take the lead and sealed his Last 16 spot with a final 14-darter, completing a remarkable turnaround.
What’s Next? Evening Session and Prize Money
The International Darts Open 2026 continues tonight with the evening session, completing the second round. Fans can anticipate more thrilling darts action.
Prize Money Breakdown:
A total of £230,000 is on offer for this tournament. Players who win their first match (Second Round) will have their prize money count towards the PDC Order of Merit, European Tour Order of Merit, and Pro Tour Order of Merit. Losing in the first round still earns prize money, but it does not count towards these rankings.
- Winner: £35,000
- Runner-Up: £15,000
- Semi-Finals: £10,000
- Quarter-Finals: £8,000
- Last 16: £5,000
- Second Round: £3,500
- First Round: £2,000
Source: Based on an article from dartn.de.
