The AFAS Live arena was absolutely buzzing this afternoon, witnessing an electrifying second round of the World Series of Darts Finals. The atmosphere was charged with drama, incredible darting averages, and a vibrant Dutch celebration of the sport. Two local heroes advanced to the quarter-finals, but the biggest shock came as world No. 2 Luke Humphries was sensationally knocked out by Dutch favourite Dirk van Duijvenbode. The passionate home crowd played a crucial role, cheering every dart from start to finish.
Round Two Highlights: Dominance and Dutch Delights
The afternoon session delivered some outstanding performances and unexpected twists. Here’s a breakdown of the key matches:
Josh Rock Dominates Ryan Searle
Kicking off the afternoon, Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock delivered a solid and professional performance, securing a 10-7 victory over Ryan Searle. Rock maintained a strong average of 95.11, consistently looking the more clinical player. Searle, with an average of 90.60, fought hard but couldn’t quite find the extra gear needed to challenge Rock effectively in the latter stages. This win further cemented Rock’s impressive form.
Ross Smith Brushes Aside Daryl Gurney
Ross “Smudger” Smith showed no mercy after his first-round win. He continued his excellent form, producing a clinical 100.30 average to comfortably defeat Daryl Gurney 10-5. Gurney, who had previously caused an upset by eliminating Michael van Gerwen, struggled to find his rhythm, averaging 94.57 and constantly playing catch-up. Smith appeared sharp, focused, and truly in-form, mirroring his strong performances on the European Tour this year.
Gian van Veen Triumphs in High-Quality Battle
This match was a true darts spectacle, a pure display of skill and precision. Dutch rising star Gian van Veen edged out the dangerous Karel Sedláček 10-7 in a thrilling contest. Both players showcased exceptional form, with van Veen averaging 101.52 and Sedláček an even higher 103.30. Together, they unleashed an incredible 13 maximums (180s). The match was filled with spectacular finishes, including a 160 and a 147 checkout. Van Veen, the Dutch No. 1, had to dig deep, fueled by the roaring home crowd who celebrated every treble and double. This hard-fought victory secured his first-ever quarter-final spot at this event.
The Shock of the Tournament: Van Duijvenbode’s Epic Comeback Against Humphries
The most anticipated match of the afternoon delivered an unforgettable upset. Dirk van Duijvenbode, affectionately known as “The Titan,” staged a sensational comeback to defeat world No. 2 Luke Humphries 10-9.
Initially, Humphries seemed to be in complete control, reeling off six consecutive legs to establish a commanding 6-3 lead. The world No. 2 appeared destined for a comfortable victory. However, the momentum dramatically shifted when van Duijvenbode, spurred on by the incredibly vocal Amsterdam crowd, found a new gear.
The atmosphere in AFAS Live became electric, with the crowd erupting in cheers for every one of van Duijvenbode’s darts and every missed shot from Humphries. “The Titan” rediscovered his scoring power, and his crucial doubles started finding their mark. Slowly but surely, he chipped away at Humphries’ lead, bringing the score to a tense 9-9.
The deciding leg was nothing short of extraordinary, with the atmosphere described as “insane.” Under immense pressure, van Duijvenbode held his nerve beautifully, closing out the match 10-9. His average of 101.14 just edged out Humphries’ 98.34, sealing a truly stunning victory that sent the AFAS Live arena into absolute pandemonium. This was a genuine shock and a testament to a brilliant individual performance from the Dutchman.
Looking Ahead to the Evening Session
While the evening session promised more top-tier darts action with players like Littler, Price, Wade, and Clayton, this afternoon undoubtedly belonged to the Dutch contingent and, most notably, to Dirk van Duijvenbode’s remarkable comeback. It was a session filled with incredible skill, tension, and an unforgettable upset that will be talked about for a long time.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
