Wright, Price and Van Gerwen advance at the International Open as Clayton survives scare

Gerwyn Price, Peter Wright and Michael van Gerwen safely progressed to the Last 16 of the 2022 International Darts Open in Riesa, while Jonny Clayton produced a fine comeback.

The season’s first European Tour event saw the 16 seeded players enter the action in Saturday’s Second Round, but a clutch of the sport’s top stars endured some nervy moments before eventually booking their place on the final day of action.

Price, who must claim the title this weekend in order to retain his status as world number one, had to come from 2-0 down against qualifier Ritchie Edhouse before claiming a 6-3 win.

The Welshman has previously triumphed in Riesa in 2018 and 2019, and now faces Damon Heta on Sunday afternoon after the Australian’s 6-2 win over Daryl Gurney earlier in the day.

“In the first two legs he was firing, but I did enough to win and sometimes that’s all you need to do,” said Price.

“Hopefully I can bring my A-game tomorrow – I’ll need it. I’ve won here twice before and I’d love to make it three.”

Van Gerwen, a 32-time European Tour event winner, overcame Keane Barry 6-4, but needed a crucial 160 finish in leg six to level after the Irish starlet missed his chance to open up a 4-2 lead.

“Keane is a really good player, and when he puts you under pressure you have to perform well,” said Van Gerwen. “The 160 was needed and I was glad I hit that, but I always keep fighting and to be back in front of so many fans is great.

“It’s been so long for us players and the people in the venue. This is what we all want and I’m already looking forward to tomorrow. I want to rock this venue.”

Clayton, meanwhile, recovered from 3-0 and 5-3 down to defeat Krzysztof Kciuk 6-5, with the Polish ace having knocked out Rob Cross in the first round before coming agonisingly close ousting the Premier League champion.

World Champion Wright, who is aiming to succeed Price as world number one after this event, whitewashed Luke Woodhouse 6-0 despite an average of just 88.

Wright finished six doubles from nine attempts, and now plays German qualifier Niko Springer, who reached the last 16 on his European Tour debut by defeating Brendan Dolan in a deciding leg.

Top seed Joe Cullen was too strong for Latvia’s Madars Razma, and the reigning Masters champion now plays Nathan Aspinall in round three.

Aspinall, on his return to action following a wrist problem which has kept him sidelined for two months, led 4-0 before Jeff Smith cut the gap to one leg before the UK Open champion closed out a 6-4 win.

UK Open champion James Wade finished six doubles from 11 attempts in a 6-4 win over Vincent van der Voort, and now plays Kim Huybrechts after the Belgian ace defeated Devon Petersen 6-3.

Dirk van Duijvenbode averaged 100 as he whitewashed Nico Kurz 6-0, with the young German restricted to just one dart at a double in the contest.

Van Duijvenbode now meets World Championship finalist Michael Smith, who was in fine finishing form to defeat Simon Whitlock 6-4 by hitting two-thirds of his doubles.

Dimitri Van den Bergh landed a 167 checkout and converted six doubles from nine attempts in a clinical 6-1 defeat of Mensur Suljovic.

The 2020 World Matchplay champion now plays Brian Raman in an all-Belgian clash after the new Tour Card Holder survived a missed match dart from Jose de Sousa in the deciding leg of their Saturday afternoon meeting.

Welsh prospect Lewy Williams booked his spot in the last 16 by defeating Krzysztof Ratajski 6-5 after the Polish star had hit back from 5-2 down to take their game all the way.

Danny Noppert, who became a father for the first time recently, now plays MVG in an all-Dutch tie after taking out 142 on his way to a 6-3 win over Mervyn King.

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International Darts Open 2022 Day Two Results

All times GMT (Local time one hour ahead)

Saturday February 26

Second Round

Afternoon Session
Jose de Sousa 5-6 Brian Raman
Damon Heta 6-2 Daryl Gurney
Krzysztof Ratajski 5-6 Lewy Williams
Danny Noppert 6-3 Mervyn King
Brendan Dolan 5-6 Niko Springer
Devon Petersen 3-6 Kim Huybrechts
James Wade 6-4 Vincent van der Voort
Nathan Aspinall 6-4 Jeff Smith

Evening Session
Mensur Suljovic 1-6 Dimitri van den Bergh
Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-0 Nico Kurz
Joe Cullen 6-1 Madars Razma
Michael van Gerwen 6-4 Keane Barry
Gerwyn Price 6-3 Ritchie Edhouse
Jonny Clayton 6-5 Krzysztof Kciuk
Peter Wright 6-0 Luke Woodhouse
Michael Smith 6-4 Simon Whitlock