The afternoon session of the Austrian Darts Open in Graz delivered an unforgettable spectacle, highlighted by Spanish star Cristo Reyes achieving a rare and spectacular nine-dart finish. This historic moment was just one highlight in a series of thrilling matches, featuring strong performances from Andrew Gilding, Rob Cross, and Kim Huybrechts, alongside surprising early exits for established players. Fans witnessed incredible comebacks and nail-biting finishes, setting a high bar for the rest of the tournament.
A Day of Darts Drama and Perfection in Graz
The packed Stadthalle Graz was buzzing with anticipation, and the afternoon session of the Austrian Darts Open certainly delivered. From the very first throw, it was clear that this would be a day etched in darts history, culminating in a moment of pure perfection that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Cristo Reyes Achieves the Elusive Nine-Darter
The undisputed highlight of the afternoon belonged to Spain’s Cristo Reyes, who produced a flawless nine-dart finish against the reigning Gibraltar Darts Trophy champion, Damon Heta. This incredible feat, one of the rarest achievements in professional darts, saw Reyes hit two 180s (three treble 20s) followed by a 141 checkout (treble 20, treble 19, double 12) in the fourth leg of their encounter. **It was a breathtaking display of precision and composure, showcasing why Reyes is a force to be reckoned with on the PDC Pro Tour.**
What is a Nine-Darter?
A nine-dart finish is darts’ equivalent of a perfect game in baseball or a 147 break in snooker. Starting from 501, a player must reach zero in exactly nine darts, always finishing on a double. The most common routes involve hitting three treble 20s three times (9 x 20 = 180), then another three treble 20s (180), and then finishing with 141 (treble 20, treble 19, double 12). It requires immense skill, concentration, and a touch of luck, making it a truly special moment whenever it occurs.
Key Victories and Standout Performances
Andrew Gilding Dominates Early
Kicking off the session, “Goldfinger” Andrew Gilding delivered a commanding performance against Jermaine Wattimena. **Gilding maintained a pristine ton-plus average throughout the match and boasted an excellent 60% conversion rate on his doubles, proving too strong for the Dutchman.** Wattimena, unfortunately, continues to struggle to replicate his previous title-winning form.
Rob Cross Powers Through
Double European Champion Rob Cross, known as “Voltage,” gave his World Matchplay hopes a significant boost. In a tightly contested match against William O’Connor, Cross found another gear when it mattered most. **With the score poised at 3-3, Cross accelerated, showcasing his strong finishing ability to secure the win and advance.**
Kevin Doets Continues His Ascent
The increasingly impressive Kevin Doets, “Hawkeye,” secured another stage victory, this time against Ryan Searle. While neither player hit their absolute peak, **Doets displayed enough quality to convincingly book his spot in Sunday’s action, signaling his continued rise in the sport.**
Ross Smith’s Commanding Display
Another European Championship title holder, Ross “Smudger” Smith, advanced to the last 16 with a dominant display against Niels Zonneveld. **Smith quickly stormed into a 5-1 lead, leaving Triple Z with too much ground to recover and securing a comfortable victory.**
Luke Woodhouse Secures First Seeded Win
Luke Woodhouse provided a strong showing for Harrows, cruising past Rob Owen with ease. Elevated into a seeded position for the first time this year, **Woodhouse delivered his first victory in this new role, setting up a potential clash with crowd favorite Mensur Suljović on Sunday.**
Upsets and Close Calls
Mike De Decker’s Missed Opportunities
Mike De Decker, a former World Grand Prix winner, continued his search for form, falling short against Ryan Joyce. **De Decker squandered numerous opportunities on the doubles, allowing Joyce to capitalize with a solid, professional display.**
Huybrechts Wins Thriller with Bullseye Magic
The session concluded with a truly dramatic encounter between Kim Huybrechts and Chris Dobey. In a match filled with maximums (nine in total), it all came down to a deciding leg. **”The Hurricane” Huybrechts stepped up, eyeing a 132 checkout, and after hitting a 25 and treble 19, he delivered a majestic dart straight into the bullseye to snatch victory in spectacular fashion.** This incredible finish sets up an exciting meeting with Andrew Gilding.
Looking Ahead to Sunday
With the halfway stage of round two complete, the afternoon session has set a formidable benchmark for excitement and high-quality darts. Fans eagerly await the evening session and Sunday’s action, where more drama and potential history-making moments are sure to unfold.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
