Humphries denies Menzies in Dutch Darts Championship epic as Pietreczko dethrones Rock
Luke Humphries came through an epic last-leg decider against Cameron Menzies to launch his quest for Dutch Darts Championship glory in Rosmalen on Saturday.
World number one Humphries produced hit back from 5-3 down and survived a match dart to deny Menzies in a thrilling contest which featured 13 maximums between the pair.
Menzies landed seven maximums in defeat, but the Scot was unable to close out a famous victory, with Humphries producing legs of 12, 13 and 12 darts to cap off a terrific comeback with a 105.8 average.
“I’m proud of myself there,” reflected top seed Humphries, who will face 2023 World Champion Michael Smith in the Last 16.
“I didn’t give up, and I managed to fight back and get the win with a decent performance.
“It was nice to get some emotion out and feel that good after winning the game.
“Now I need to build on my performance and be better tomorrow against Michael.”
Meanwhile, Dirk van Duijvenbode, Danny Noppert and Wessel Nijman preserved Dutch hopes with impressive second round wins at the Autotron.
Van Duijvenbode fired in four ton-plus checkouts – including a 161 and a 170 – to defeat ten-time major winner James Wade 6-3.
Dutch number two Noppert ran out a comfortable 6-2 winner over Mario Vandenbogaerde, while Nijman landed a hat-trick of ton-plus finishes to demolish two-time World Champion Peter Wright 6-1.
Five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld was unable to join his compatriots in the Last 16, going down 6-2 to former European Champion Ross Smith – who averaged 99.4.
Smith’s reward is a showdown against 2024 runner-up Jonny Clayton – who averaged just shy of 100 to sweep aside Max Hopp by the same scoreline.
Hopp’s fellow countryman Martin Schindler was one of Saturday’s stand-out performers, averaging 102 in his 6-4 win over Grand Slam finalist Martin Lukeman.
Schindler will now go head-to-head with his younger compatriot Niko Springer in the Last 16, after the emerging talent conjured up a nerveless 100 checkout to dump out third seed Stephen Bunting – who squandered a 3-1 lead and two match darts.
There was also joy for German number two Ricardo Pietreczko as he defeated reigning champion Josh Rock 6-4 to boost his hopes of World Matchplay qualification.
Daryl Gurney also celebrated a precious victory in his bid to qualify for the Matchplay, surviving two match darts to account for Premier League star Chris Dobey.
Fifth seed Damon Heta averaged 100 to see off Host Nation Qualifier Jeffrey Sparidaans, while 2022 champion Michael Smith won through an extraordinary tie against Ryan Joyce, surviving ten match darts in the penultimate leg, before producing a clinical 106 finish to seal victory.
European Champion Ritchie Edhouse won through his second last-leg shoot-out of the weekend, following up his win over Kim Huybrechts with a narrow victory over 2023 champion Dave Chisnall.
Edhouse will now play William O’Connor in the Last 16, after the Irishman capitalised on his late call-up by dumping out Croatian star Boris Krcmar 6-3.
Ryan Searle prevailed in a high-quality contest against Ryan Meikle, averaging 99 and crashing in six maximums to record a 6-4 victory.
Searle will take on Mickey Mansell in round three, after the Northern Irishman received a bye following Michael van Gerwen’s late withdrawal from the tournament for personal reasons.
Dutch Darts Championship 2025 Day Two Results
Saturday May 24
Second Round
Afternoon Session
Damon Heta 6-3 Jeffrey Sparidaans
Dave Chisnall 5-6 Ritchie Edhouse
Michael Smith 6-5 Ryan Joyce
Jonny Clayton 6-2 Max Hopp
Chris Dobey 5-6 Daryl Gurney
Martin Schindler 6-4 Martin Lukeman
Danny Noppert 6-2 Mario Vandenbogaerde
Ryan Searle 6-4 Ryan Meikle
Evening Session
James Wade 3-6 Dirk van Duijvenbode
William O’Connor 6-3 Boris Krcmar
Ross Smith 6-2 Raymond van Barneveld
Peter Wright 1-6 Wessel Nijman
Luke Humphries 6-5 Cameron Menzies
Stephen Bunting 5-6 Niko Springer
Josh Rock 4-6 Ricardo Pietreczko
