Dutch darts sensations Dirk van Duijvenbode and Wessel Nijman have both secured their spots in the Last 16 of the European Darts Open in Leverkusen, showcasing incredible form. Van Duijvenbode delivered a commanding 6-2 victory over the seeded Chris Dobey, while Nijman stunned Bradley Brooks with a flawless 6-0 whitewash. Their impressive performances mean they will now face each other in an exciting all-Dutch encounter on the final day of the tournament.
Van Duijvenbode Powers Past Seeded Dobey
Dirk van Duijvenbode, known as ‘The Titan’ for his explosive style, continued his strong run at the European Darts Open. After a solid 6-3 win against Jaimy van de Weerd in his opening match, he faced a tougher challenge in the second round: seventh seed Chris Dobey. This match was particularly significant as the two are also scheduled to meet in the first round of the upcoming World Matchplay, adding an extra layer of anticipation.
Van Duijvenbode started the match with undeniable intent. He immediately broke Dobey’s throw in the very first leg with a brilliant 101 checkout, setting the tone. He then consolidated this advantage, holding his own throw in 16 darts to take an early 2-0 lead. Dobey, however, quickly responded, winning his next two legs to level the score at 2-2. The turning point came in the fifth leg; Dobey missed an opportunity to take the lead, allowing Van Duijvenbode to pounce. ‘The Titan’ secured another crucial break with a rapid 13-darter, followed by a 15-dart hold to establish a comfortable 4-2 lead.
The Dutchman’s scoring power proved too much for Dobey. In the seventh leg, Van Duijvenbode broke for a third time with a 14-darter, putting him on match point at 5-2. Dobey had a chance to break back immediately but faltered, missing two darts at a double. Van Duijvenbode remained composed, sealing the impressive 6-2 victory on double 10.
Match Statistics:
- Dirk van Duijvenbode: Average 94.65, Double Percentage 40%
- Chris Dobey: Average 95.55, Double Percentage 25%
Despite Dobey’s slightly higher average, Van Duijvenbode’s superior finishing on the doubles was the decisive factor, converting 40% of his attempts compared to Dobey’s 25%.
Nijman Delivers Stunning Whitewash Victory
In another exciting second-round clash, young Dutch talent Wessel Nijman delivered a performance that left spectators in awe. He faced England’s Bradley Brooks, who had previously defeated Lukas Wenig 6-2 in his opening match.
Nijman began the match in spectacular fashion. He held his opening leg with a breathtaking 170 checkout – the highest possible finish in darts without hitting a bullseye. This incredible start was followed by a 104 checkout to break Brooks’ throw, and then a 14-dart hold to solidify his lead at 3-0. Brooks struggled to keep pace with Nijman’s relentless scoring and clinical finishing.
The pressure continued to mount on Brooks as Nijman secured yet another break with an 18-darter. He then consolidated this break with a neat 68 checkout, extending his lead to a dominant 5-0. Brooks finally had a chance at a double in the sixth leg to get on the scoreboard, but he couldn’t convert. Nijman capitalized on this, finishing the match in style with a superb 110 checkout, completing a sensational 6-0 whitewash.
Match Statistics:
- Wessel Nijman: Average 94.93, Double Percentage 66.7%
- Bradley Brooks: Average 86.86, Double Percentage 0%
Nijman’s statistics highlight his clinical performance, hitting two-thirds of his doubles and leaving Brooks without a single successful checkout.
All-Dutch Showdown Awaits in the Last 16
With both players demonstrating exceptional form, the stage is now set for an exciting encounter on Sunday afternoon. Dirk van Duijvenbode and Wessel Nijman will go head-to-head in the Last 16, guaranteeing at least one Dutchman in the quarter-finals. Fans can anticipate a thrilling contest as these two countrymen battle for a spot in the next stage of the European Darts Open.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
