Danny Noppert, known as ‘The Freeze’, kicked off his Winmau World Masters campaign in spectacular fashion on Friday night in Milton Keynes, defeating Daryl Gurney 3-1. In a match filled with high-scoring and clutch finishes, Noppert showcased exceptional form, particularly with a stellar 99.30 average and an impressive 58.3% on his doubles. This commanding victory propels him into the second round, setting a strong precedent for his tournament hopes.
The first-round clash at the Winmau World Masters saw Dutch darts sensation Danny Noppert face off against Northern Ireland’s Daryl Gurney. Right from the start, it was clear both players were ready for a battle, but Noppert quickly established his authority.
A Masterclass Opening: Noppert’s Dominant Start
Noppert began the match by taking the initiative, and he made an immediate impact. With a magnificent 103-finish, the Dutchman secured the opening leg. In this tournament, players need to win just two legs to claim a set. ‘The Freeze’ wasted no time, quickly achieving a ‘break’ – winning a leg that his opponent started – to establish a swift 1-0 lead in sets.
Gurney Fights Back, But Noppert Holds Strong
Daryl Gurney, nicknamed ‘SuperChin’, wasn’t about to let Noppert run away with the match. After Noppert snatched another leg, Gurney responded by forcing a break of his own, which he successfully converted to level the match at 1-1. The tension was palpable as the two players exchanged high scores.
The momentum seemed to swing, but Noppert’s resilience shone through. Despite Gurney, the recent World Cup winner, having opportunities to break again, Noppert managed to stay in contention by capitalising on Gurney’s missed doubles. Displaying incredible composure, Noppert then showcased his class with a breathtaking 105-finish to secure his second set. This was particularly impressive as Gurney had thrown two maximum 180s in that leg and was waiting on a double himself.
Sealing the Deal: The Final Push
With Noppert leading 2-1, both players held their own legs, pushing ‘The Freeze’ to match point. He didn’t falter, closing out the match with a clinical 13-darter to seal a well-deserved 3-1 victory and advance to the next stage of the tournament.
A Look at the Numbers: Performance Breakdown
The statistics from the match highlight Noppert’s superior performance:
- Danny Noppert:
- Average: 99.30
- Double Percentage: 58.3%
- Daryl Gurney:
- Average: 95.85
- Double Percentage: 25.0%
Noppert’s high average demonstrates his consistent scoring power, while his outstanding double percentage indicates his precision under pressure – a crucial factor in his victory, especially when compared to Gurney’s lower conversion rate on doubles.
Tournament History and What’s Next
Noppert’s best performance at the Winmau World Masters came in 2025, when he reached the semi-finals before being knocked out by eventual winner Luke Humphries. Gurney’s best run ended in the quarter-finals in 2024, back when the event was known simply as ‘The Masters’.
Looking ahead, Danny Noppert will face either Stephen Bunting or Jeffrey de Graaf in the second round. The Englishman and the Dutch-Swede are scheduled to play their first-round match later on Friday evening. Noppert will undoubtedly be aiming to continue his impressive form as he seeks to make a deep run in this prestigious tournament.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
