France stun Northern Ireland on World Cup of Darts return

France marked their World Cup of Darts return with a surprise 4-1 victory over two-time semi-finalists Northern Ireland in Frankfurt.

The French duo of Thibault Tricole and Jacques Labre inflicted the shock result of day one at the expanded team event, putting Brendan Dolan and Daryl Gurney to the sword at Eissporthalle.

France had not featured at the World Cup since their sole appearance in 2014, when Labre and Lionel Maranhao were beaten 5-4 by Wales’ Mark Webster and Richie Burnett.

But they returned with a bang as Tricole – last year’s WDF World Championship runner-up to Neil Duff – crashed in a stunning 114 checkout to deny their counterparts Dolan and Gurney, who are appearing together for an eighth successive year.

Austria were another seeded nation to taste defeat on the opening day; the 2021 finalists beaten 4-2 by a Benjamin Reus-inspired Denmark.

The youngster – and the 11th different player to represent the Danes – enjoyed a debut to remember, averaging an impressive 114.7 while sealing victory with a brilliant 116 finish.

There were no such problems for Belgium and hosts Germany, who were commanding 4-0 winners over Finland and Hong Kong respectively, while reigning champions Australia launched their title defence by whitewashing debutants Guyana.

Krzysztof Ratajski’s Poland survived match dart as they recovered from 2-0 down to edge out Jose de Sousa’s Portugal 4-3, while Devon Petersen inspired South Africa to a 4-2 victory over Spain.

Italy recorded their first ever World Cup win at the 12th attempt as they beat Switzerland in a deciding leg, while Czech Republic also broke their duck in defeating Paul Lim’s Singapore 4-2.

Elsewhere, William O’Connor and Keane Barry helped Ireland to a commanding 4-1 win over Thailand, and Latvia and Canada were 4-2 victors against New Zealand and India respectively.

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World Cup of Darts 2023 Schedule of Play

Thursday, June 15

Group Stage

Switzerland 3-4 Italy (Group L)
Poland 4-3 Portugal (Group G)
Czech Republic 4-2 Singapore (Group I)
Spain 2-4 South Africa (Group J)
Republic of Ireland 4-1 Thailand (Group E)
Northern Ireland 1-4 France (Group D)
Belgium 4-0 Finland (Group A)
Canada 4-2 India (Group H)
Austria 2-4 Denmark (Group F)
Germany 4-0 Hong Kong (Group B)
Australia 4-0 Guyana (Group C)
Latvia 4-2 New Zealand (Group K)