Resurgent van Gerwen sets up Rock showdown

Michael van Gerwen will face Josh Rock in round three of the Gambrinus Czech Darts Open after a stunning whitewash win over Mike De Decker in Prague.

Van Gerwen produced one of his best displays of the year to light up the PVA Expo, averaging 112.73 in a 6-0 rout of World Grand Prix champion De Decker.

The world number three will be seeking a first European Tour quarter-final since April when he takes on World Cup winner Rock in a mouthwatering last 16 tie on Sunday afternoon.

“To do this again feels amazing, it’s been a while for me,” said an elated Van Gerwen.

“I think I played a fantastic game, the first four or five legs especially were of a very high standard.

“It’s been hard for me the last year or so, my confidence level hasn’t been great but if I keep working hard I can keep producing performances like this.

“If I play my game I can beat anyone on any day, but I need to do it more often.”

The three-time World Champion was one of 16 players to win round two ties on Saturday, as the 16 seeded players faced Friday’s round one winners in the Czech capital.

World Matchplay semi-finalist Rock continued his eye-catching form in a 6-2 defeat of William O’Connor, with a 101 finish featuring two bullseyes the stand-out moment.

World Champion Luke Littler kicked off his bid for back-to-back European Tour titles with a comfortable 6-2 win over Cameron Menzies to set up a meeting with Gian van Veen in a rematch of the 2023 World Youth Championship final.

“I started off well, I thought Cammy was going to get into it but I’m just happy to get over the line,” said Littler.

“I’ve got good memories of playing here last year, I hit some huge averages before losing to Luke [Humphries].

“I’m looking forward to tomorrow afternoon, me and Gian always have a brilliant game but for myself it’s just about getting the win.”

Luke Humphries will continue the defence of his title against German number one Martin Schindler after scrapping his way to a 6-4 win over Dirk van Duijvenbode.

“I didn’t play great, I’m not used to those performance but they seem to be happening a lot more recently,” said the two-time Czech Open champion.

“Dirk gave me so many chances, it felt like he gifted me the game really but I’m through and tomorrow’s another day.

“I was never going to miss this event, I’ve won here twice before; hopefully I can make it three this weekend but I’ll have to play a lot better than that.”

2023 champion Peter Wright claimed a 6-2 win over Benjamin Pratnemer and he will now face world number four Stephen Bunting, who saw off Kevin Doets 6-4.

Wales’ two-time World Cup winners Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton will meet in round three after victories over Niko Springer and Ryan Joyce respectively.

James Wade continued his strong 2025, averaging 107.71 in a 6-3 win over Nathan Aspinall, with the world number five now set to face Ross Smith.

Round three will also see Rob Cross take on Wessel Nijman, while Jermaine Wattimena meets Ryan Searle.

Results

Round Two: Ross Smith 6-4 Andrew Gilding; Martin Schindler 6-3 Madars Razma; Wessel Nijman 6-5 Damon Heta; Jermaine Wattimena 6-2 Chris Dobey; Gian van Veen 6-2 Danny Noppert; Ryan Searle 6-4 Dave Chisnall; Peter Wright 6-2 Benjamin Pratnemer; Jonny Clayton 6-2 Ryan Joyce; Rob Cross 6-1 Krzysztof Ratajski; Gerwyn Price 6-2 Niko Springer; Stephen Bunting 6-4 Kevin Doets; James Wade 6-3 Nathan Aspinall; Luke Humphries 6-4 Dirk van Duijvenbode; Luke Littler 6-2 Cameron Menzies; Michael van Gerwen 6-0 Mike De Decker; Josh Rock 6-2 William O’Connor