Day 1 of the Baltic Sea Darts Open (ET8) in Kiel delivered an electrifying start, showcasing incredible talent and dramatic comebacks. Cameron Menzies stole the show with a stunning 108 average against Rob Cross, while Dimitri Van den Bergh marked his return to the European Tour with a dominant six-leg surge. The highlight of the day, however, might just be Ryan Joyce’s spectacular 150 checkout, completed with three bullseyes! These thrilling performances set the stage for an action-packed weekend as the seeded players prepare to join the fray.
Menzies’ Masterclass and Matchplay Hopes
The evening session at the MERKUR Ostseehalle was illuminated by an extraordinary performance from Cameron Menzies. The Scotsman produced a sensational display, averaging an astonishing 108.41 and firing in six 180s en route to a crucial 6-4 victory over a resurgent Rob Cross. This high-quality contest was not just about the win; it carried significant weight for both players, who are fiercely competing for the final qualification spots in July’s prestigious World Matchplay tournament. Menzies’ relentless scoring proved decisive.
“I’ll be honest, I felt really good in that game… Rob is coming back and he pushed me, but that’s the best game I’ve played in a long time, and I needed that win,” Menzies commented, clearly pleased with his form.
Van den Bergh’s Triumphant Return
Belgian star Dimitri Van den Bergh made a memorable return to the PDC European Tour. After falling 2-0 behind against Alan Soutar, “The DreamMaker” unleashed a spectacular six-leg burst to claim a dominant 6-2 win on German soil. This impressive comeback performance signals a strong return to form for the former World Matchplay champion.
Van den Bergh’s determination was evident: “I am working so hard behind the scenes… I am doing my very best, and you’re seeing glimpses of what I can do again. There are parts of my game where I’m performing and showing what I can do, but I can do so much more, and I want so much more.” His next challenge is a blockbuster clash with World Championship runner-up Gian van Veen on Saturday evening.
The Day’s Most Dazzling Moment: Ryan Joyce’s Triple Bullseye Checkout
One of the most talked-about moments of Day 1 came courtesy of Ryan Joyce. During his 6-3 comeback victory over Christian Kist, Joyce produced an absolutely showstopping 150 checkout, achieved by hitting three bullseyes! This rare and incredibly difficult feat involves hitting the bullseye (50 points) three times in a row, demonstrating extraordinary precision and nerve under pressure. It was a moment that left spectators in awe, showcasing the sheer skill possible in darts.
Other Standout Performances and Key Victories
The first round was packed with exciting matches and notable achievements:
- Justin Hood showcased impressive form with a 103+ average in his 6-4 success over Max Hopp, securing his second career win on the PDC European Tour.
- Sebastian Bialecki demonstrated resilience, overturning a 3-1 deficit with a five-leg burst to defeat James Hurrell, setting up a second-round clash with Chris Dobey.
- Kevin Doets continued his strong year, navigating a tough challenge against Lukas Wenig by defying two huge checkouts (160 and 170) from the German to advance 6-3. He now faces old adversary Nathan Aspinall.
- Jimmy van Schie enjoyed a dream European Tour debut, delivering a flawless 6-0 whitewash win over Ian White, converting six of his seven attempts at double.
- Van Schie’s compatriot, Dirk van Duijvenbode, also breezed through, producing a six-leg blitz against Paul Krohne. His reward is a tie against International Darts Open runner-up Ryan Searle.
- William O’Connor added another spectacular moment, hitting the third 170 checkout of the day during his 6-4 win over Cristo Reyes.
- Joe Cullen romped to a 6-1 victory over Host Nation qualifier Marcel Hausotter, setting up a meeting with 2023 Baltic Sea Darts Open champion Dave Chisnall.
- Karel Sedlacek battled to a gruelling 6-5 deciding leg victory over debutant Jason Riedtke, keeping his slim hopes of World Matchplay qualification alive. He faces Damon Heta next, who is also in a battle for qualification.
- Ricky Evans raced to a dominant 6-1 victory over Teemu Harju and will now clash with Daryl Gurney.
- Home favourite Niko Springer progressed with a comprehensive 6-2 victory over Nandor Major, closing Friday’s first-round action.
Looking Ahead: Seeds Enter the Arena on Day 2
The Baltic Sea Darts Open (ET8) continues on Saturday with an eagerly anticipated double-header of action. This is when the seeded PDC stars, who received a bye in the first round, will make their entrance. Fans can look forward to seeing top talents such as Stephen Bunting, Danny Noppert, Gian Van Veen, and Nathan Aspinall join the competition. The matchups promise further excitement, with many of Friday’s winners facing tough tests against these established stars.
Key second-round clashes include:
- Stephen Bunting vs. Cameron Menzies (a battle of in-form players)
- Gian van Veen vs. Dimitri Van den Bergh (a high-profile showdown)
- Nathan Aspinall vs. Kevin Doets (a rematch of old adversaries)
- Martin Schindler vs. Ryan Joyce (the German number one against the triple-bullseye hero)
The stage is set for an unforgettable weekend of darts in Kiel!
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
