The European Darts Championship has concluded for all Dutch contenders, as Jermaine Wattimena suffered a comprehensive 10-4 defeat to Germany’s Martin Schindler. This loss, following earlier exits for Gian van Veen and Kevin Doets, means no Dutch player will advance to the quarter-finals, marking a disappointing end to their tournament campaign.
The second round of the European Darts Championship proved to be a challenging stage for the Dutch contingent. After hopefuls Gian van Veen and Kevin Doets were knocked out, the weight of national expectation fell squarely on the shoulders of Jermaine Wattimena, known as ‘The Machine Gun’. However, his journey also came to an end in Dortmund, as he faced a formidable opponent in Martin Schindler.
Schindler’s Dominance: A Match Overview
Martin Schindler, nicknamed ‘The Wall’, came into the match with confidence, having already eliminated another Dutch player, Wessel Nijman, in an earlier round. From the very first leg, Schindler capitalized on Wattimena’s early struggles.
- Schindler took an immediate 1-0 lead after Wattimena squandered five darts at the doubles.
- The initial session saw both players holding their throws, keeping the score tight.
- A crucial turning point came after the first break when Wattimena missed the bullseye to level the score, allowing Schindler to check out 81 with a double 13.
- The biggest blow arrived in the ninth leg: Schindler produced a magnificent 121 checkout in just 12 darts, securing a vital break to establish a commanding 6-3 lead.
The Path to Defeat
From that point, Schindler steadily built on his advantage, demonstrating clinical finishing.
- He extended his lead with a 91 checkout in 15 darts.
- Wattimena briefly rallied with a brilliant 105 checkout, showcasing his scoring power.
- However, the momentum shifted decisively when Wattimena failed to check out 60 in a subsequent leg. Schindler seized the opportunity, finding double two to push further ahead.
- Schindler then hit a rapid 12-darter to reach match point, leaving Wattimena with little hope of a comeback.
- The German sealed his victory emphatically by checking out 80, bringing the final score to a dominant 10-4.
Statistical Snapshot: The Deciding Factors
While Wattimena’s scoring average was slightly higher, Schindler’s superior finishing proved to be the difference-maker.
Match Statistics:
- Martin Schindler: Average 90.25 / Double Percentage 52.6%
- Jermaine Wattimena: Average 92.05 / Double Percentage 22.2%
This stark contrast in double percentages highlights Wattimena’s struggles at the crucial moments and Schindler’s efficiency, which ultimately secured his place in the quarter-finals.
A Disappointing End for the Netherlands
The defeat of Jermaine Wattimena marks a truly unfortunate day for Dutch darts enthusiasts. With all their players now eliminated, the Netherlands will have no representation in the quarter-final stage of the European Championship. It’s a result that will undoubtedly prompt reflection on their performance in Dortmund.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
