In a spectacular display of darts prowess at the Dutch Open in Assen, the formidable duo of Dirk van Duijvenbode and Maik Kuivenhoven clinched the open pairs title. They dominated the final, securing a decisive 5-1 victory over Jimmy van Schie and Danny van Trijp. This win marks a significant milestone, especially for Maik Kuivenhoven, earning him the biggest title of his career, while further cementing Dirk van Duijvenbode’s impressive resume. The tournament also highlighted a new era, with top PDC Tour Card holders competing for the coveted pairs crown.
The Dutch Open in Assen recently witnessed an electrifying darts spectacle, culminating in a thrilling open pairs final that had fans on the edge of their seats. The tournament, known for its vibrant atmosphere and competitive field, took on added significance this year by allowing PDC Tour Card holders to participate in the open pairs event, setting the stage for a truly star-studded showdown.
A Final For The Ages: PDC Stars Collide
The Dutch Darts Federation (NDB) couldn’t have scripted a better finale. Three players holding prestigious PDC Tour Cards – Dirk van Duijvenbode, Maik Kuivenhoven, and Danny van Trijp – all made it to the ultimate stage. Van Duijvenbode and Kuivenhoven faced off against the strong pairing of Jimmy van Schie and Danny van Trijp.
The excitement began even before the first dart was thrown, with unforgettable player introductions:
- Dirk van Duijvenbode famously pumped up the crowd with his signature hardstyle music, igniting the arena.
- Jimmy van Schie and Danny van Trijp opted for a more traditional, sing-along entrance, serenading the audience with “echte liefde is te koop” (true love is for sale).
Match Breakdown: Dominance on the Oche
The final, played in the 701-double-out format (where players start with 701 points and must finish on a double), saw immediate action. In the opening leg, Kuivenhoven narrowly missed a spectacular 170 checkout on the bullseye (the very center of the dartboard), setting a high-stakes tone. Van Duijvenbode then secured the next leg, giving his team an early lead.
Van Schie and Van Trijp quickly responded, leveling the score with a strong 19-dart leg – an impressive feat in 701, equivalent to an average of around 110 points per visit. However, Van Duijvenbode and Kuivenhoven swiftly regained control, holding their own throw to take a 2-1 lead.
The Turning Point: A Crucial Break
The pivotal moment arrived in the fourth leg. Van Duijvenbode and Kuivenhoven showcased superior scoring power, creating vital opportunities for a ‘break’ – winning a leg that their opponents started. They capitalized on this advantage, breaking Van Schie and Van Trijp in 20 darts. Following this, they consolidated their lead with another strong 19-dart leg, pushing the score to a commanding 4-1.
With the finish line in sight, the pressure mounted. Although their scoring dipped slightly, Van Duijvenbode and Kuivenhoven maintained their composure. The final moments saw Van Schie miss ‘tops’ (double 20) for a 120 checkout, a crucial error that opened the door for their opponents. Maik Kuivenhoven seized the opportunity, calmly hitting ‘tops’ to seal the 5-1 victory and claim the coveted title.
A Win for the Record Books
This victory holds particular significance for both players:
- For Maik Kuivenhoven, this triumph marks the biggest title of his career, a testament to his dedication and skill on the professional circuit.
- For Dirk van Duijvenbode, already known as ‘Aubergenius’ and a formidable presence in darts, this adds another prestigious trophy to his growing collection, further enhancing his impressive palmares.
Final Averages: A Reflection of Performance
The statistics from the final underscored the winning duo’s consistent performance:
- Dirk van Duijvenbode / Maik Kuivenhoven: 95.10 average
- Jimmy van Schie / Danny van Trijp: 89.15 average
Their higher average reflects their strong scoring and clinical finishing throughout the match, ultimately leading them to their well-deserved Dutch Open Pairs title.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
