Dutch darts fans witnessed a dramatic start to the European Championship in Dortmund as two of their top players, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Danny Noppert, were eliminated in their opening matches. Van Duijvenbode faced an incredible nine-dart finish from opponent Luke Woodhouse, leading to a 6-3 defeat. Meanwhile, Danny Noppert suffered a heartbreaking 6-5 loss to Stephen Bunting, who sealed victory with a stunning 160 checkout in the deciding leg. Both players’ hopes for European glory were cut short in unexpected fashion.
Early Exit for ‘The Titan’ Dirk van Duijvenbode
Dirk van Duijvenbode, known for his high-energy play, had the unfortunate task of opening the European Championship. However, his tournament journey was brief. He went down 6-3 against a formidable Luke Woodhouse, who delivered a performance to remember.
The Match Against Luke Woodhouse
The early stages of the match saw both players holding their throws. However, in the fourth leg, Woodhouse seized control with a spectacular break. Demonstrating immense skill, he hit two 180s and completed a 141 finish for a perfect nine-dart leg! This incredible feat not only broke Van Duijvenbode’s throw but also sent a clear message of intent. Woodhouse then consolidated the break by checking out 62 in the following leg.
Despite Van Duijvenbode’s efforts, the momentum was firmly with ‘Woody’. The remaining legs went with the throw, allowing Woodhouse to close out the match 6-3 with an 89 finish.
Match Statistics: Van Duijvenbode vs. Woodhouse
- Luke Woodhouse: Average 99.11 / Double Percentage 42.9%
- Dirk van Duijvenbode: Average 84.82 / Double Percentage 33.3%
Woodhouse’s superior scoring and finishing, highlighted by his nine-darter, proved too much for the Dutchman on this occasion.
Heartbreak for Danny Noppert in Last-Leg Thriller
Danny Noppert, who reached the semi-finals of this very tournament two years prior, was unable to replicate that success in Dortmund. He faced a nail-biting encounter against Stephen Bunting, ultimately losing 6-5 in a match that went down to the wire.
The Battle Against Stephen Bunting
Bunting started strongly, taking the first two legs. However, ‘The Freeze’ fought back admirably, winning three consecutive legs in 12, 19, and 16 darts to take a 3-2 lead. The match remained incredibly tight, with the next three legs also going with the darts, bringing the score to 4-4.
In a crucial moment, Bunting secured a break of throw with a 14-dart leg, putting him on the brink of victory. But the drama wasn’t over. Noppert showed resilience, breaking straight back in 18 darts to force a deciding eleventh leg.
The tension was palpable in the final leg. Noppert had one match dart at tops to win the game, but it narrowly missed. Seizing his opportunity, Stephen Bunting then delivered a truly stunning 160 checkout to snatch victory from Noppert’s grasp at the last possible moment, securing a 6-5 win.
Match Statistics: Noppert vs. Bunting
- Stephen Bunting: Average 89.81 / Double Percentage 33.3%
- Danny Noppert: Average 90.92 / Double Percentage 27.8%
Despite Noppert’s slightly higher average, Bunting’s clutch finishing, particularly the incredible 160 checkout, made the difference in this thrilling contest.
The early exits of both Van Duijvenbode and Noppert mean a disappointing start for Dutch darts fans at the European Championship, but the tournament promises more high-stakes drama as it progresses.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
