In a stunning display of skill and precision, Raymond van Barneveld brought back his A-game and delighted fans at the World Darts Championship on Friday night. The five-time world champion put on a show, hitting an impressive 19 140s and boasting a near 100 average. With a stellar 99.81 average, Van Barneveld secured a 3-1 victory over Radek Szaganski, setting up an exciting last 32 clash with Jim Williams after Christmas.
Debutant Szaganski managed to silence the boisterous Dutch contingent by winning the opening leg. But it didn't take long for Van Barneveld to find his rhythm and reel off three consecutive legs to clinch the first set with a 98.6 average. He showed no signs of slowing down and continued his relentless finishing spree, nailing 86 and 104 checkouts at the start of the second set. With a confident finish on double 5, Van Barneveld wrapped up the set, showcasing his undoubted skills on the doubles.
Szaganski fought back valiantly, managing a neat hold of throw and a slick 118 finish to take the first leg of the third set. However, Van Barneveld quickly responded with a fine 113 finish and a clutch 60 to move within touching distance of victory. The Cork thrower, Szaganski, fired an impressive 13-darter on double 14 to edge the third set in a nail-biting fashion.
The fourth set proved to be a tense battle, with Szaganski giving Van Barneveld a run for his money. But the Dutchman's 19th 140 set him up for an 80 finish, which he executed with a slick two-dart combination to seal the match.
'There are no easy games. It gives you more pressure. (Peter) Wright has gone, (James) Wade has gone. But hey, there's a guy called Luke Littler, he's fantastic,' remarked Van Barneveld, acknowledging the tough competition that lies ahead.
In another jaw-dropping match, Florian Hempel, hailing from Cologne, staged an incredible comeback against the 15th seed Dimitri van den Bergh. After trailing 2-0, Hempel won six consecutive legs, including three back-to-back 10-darters, and survived three match darts to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory. His remarkable performance, which included a skin-saving 151 checkout and an average of 106.09, left the crowd at Ally Pally in awe.
The afternoon session saw more spectacular action, with notable wins from Brendan Dolan, Jeffrey de Graaf, Krzysztof Ratajski, and Boris Krcmar. Dolan edged out his best friend Mickey Mansell in a nail-biting tie-breaker, while de Graaf caused an upset with a 3-1 victory over the 'Special One' Jose de Sousa. Ratajski's experience shone through as he overcame Jamie Hughes, and Krcmar outplayed Dirk van Duijvenbode to secure a spot in the third round for the first time in his career.
As the World Darts Championship heads towards the Christmas break, the stage is set for more thrilling matches. Jonny Clayton, Steve Beaton, Josh Rock, and Nathan Aspinall will headline the action on the final day before the festivities kick in. Fans can also look forward to witnessing the likes of Kim Huybrechts, Ryan Searle, and Stephen Bunting in action.
With 96 players vying for the prestigious Sid Waddell Trophy and a staggering £2.5 million in prize money, the World Darts Championship continues to captivate fans worldwide. Make sure to tune in to the dedicated Sky Sports Darts channel to catch all the live action.
Excitement, drama, and incredible skill—the World Darts Championship truly is the epitome of sporting entertainment. So grab a cold drink, settle into your favorite spot, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through darting glory!
