Gian van Veen (Photo PDC)
A staggering performance from Gian van Veen saw him break the European Tour record average yesterday in Maastricht, as wins for Martin Schindler and Stephen Bunting ensured their qualification for the European Championship in Dortmund next weekend.
Former World Championship finalist Van Veen averaged a staggering 120.24 in whitewashing Sebastian Bialecki – breaking the previous record of 118.66 by Dave Chisnall – in the performance of the night in Maastricht as round two of the Dutch Darts Championship came to a close.
Astonishingly, it took Van Veen just nine minutes and 47 seconds to race past Bialecki and shatter the record average which has stood since 2018, as the Dutchman aims to head to Dortmund in red-hot form ahead of his title defence.
“I’m tired!” Van Veen emphasised after creating European Tour history in the Dutch Darts Championship.
“I knew I was playing well, I wanted to hit that bullseye in that last leg.
“The average is nice, it’s fantastic to have that record, but it’s another win and that’s what matters.
“It shows that I’ve still got it in my locker, I’m still here.”
In the opening match of the day, Martin Schindler sealed his spot at the European Championships with victory over Karel Sedlacek.
The German number one, who was level with Sedlacek in the European rankings going into the contest, overcame the Czechia World Cup star 6-4 which included pinning a brilliant 164 checkout in the opening leg.
“I’m feeling emotional. It was a really, really important win for me today. I am so happy.” expressed Schindler, who has endured a drop in form over the last few months.
“I’m not in the very best phase at the moment, so I need to fight for every win. It wasn’t happening for me on the European Tour for a couple of months.
“I was never doubting or distrusting myself. I knew I needed to win,
“I looked fear in the eye, and I won that won and I am happy about it.”
It remains a nervy wait for Sedlacek now, with Brendan Dolan – who beat Heine Uuldriks 6-4 to set up a round three clash with Van Veen – the only player remaining that can push him out of the qualifying spots for Dortmund.
Despite featuring heavily on the European Tour this year, sixth seed Bunting left it to the eleventh hour to secure his European Championship spot – beating already qualified Cameron Menzies 6-2.
In a strong display of finishing, the 41-year-old pinned six out of ten attempts at the outer ring to jump into the qualifying places and knock Kim Huybrechts out of the running in the process.
“There are a lot of demons in my head, people doubt me but I know how good I can be,” said Bunting.
“For the last few weeks I have been nervous, needing to win is a lot more difficult than already being in the tournament, but thankfully I won tonight.”
Nathan Aspinall ended Michael Smith’s qualification hopes, as the World Grand Prix semi-finalist averaged upwards of 102 in a 6-1 thrashing of the former world champion.
On home soil, Dutch stars Wessel Nijman and Danny Noppert both enjoyed victories earlier in the day as they beat Jeffrey De Graaf and Chisnall respectively to book their places in Sunday’s action.
Niels Zonneveld battled through a last-leg decider against Krzysztof Ratajski, hitting seven maximums for the second game in succession to book his place in round three, while his compatriot Jermaine Wattimena beat Host Nation Qualifier Jimmy van Schie 6-2.
But there was disappointment for Dutch legend Michael van Gerwen as William O’Connor produced three ton-plus checkouts of 136, 131 and 121 to seal a 6-5 win.
European Tour ranking leader Ross Smith will lock horns with Ryan Searle in round three, as the pair beat Ryan Joyce and Dirk van Duijvenbode respectively.
Damon Heta averaged upwards of 103 in his 6-1 victory over Jonny Clayton in his first win against the Welshman since May last year.
Luke Woodhouse produced a routine performance against Andrew Gilding to enter Sunday’s action, whilst Gerwyn Price’s return to the European Tour stage was victorious as he beat Scott Williams 6-3.
And in a stunning dispay to close the round two action, Spaniard Cristo Reyes averaged upwards of 110 in a 6-2 victory over Chris Dobey, hitting 60% of his doubles on the way to victory.
The Dutch Darts Championship concludes with a bumper double session on Sunday, as the final 16 players battle it out to be crowned the champion in Maastricht.
Round Two Results
Martin Schindler 6-4 Karel Sedlacek
Wessel Nijman 6-3 Jeffrey De Graaf
Luke Woodhouse 6-1 Andrew Gilding
Ross Smith 6-2 Ryan Joyce
Danny Noppert 6-4 Dave Chisnall
Ryan Searle 6-5 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Brendan Dolan 6-4 Heine Uuldriks
Niels Zonneveld 6-5 Krzysztof Ratajski
Gerwyn Price 6-3 Scott Williams
Jermaine Wattimena 6-2 Jimmy van Schie
Stephen Bunting 6-2 Cameron Menzies
Gian van Veen 6-0 Sebastian Bialecki
William O’Connor 6-5 Michael van Gerwen
Damon Heta 6-1 Jonny Clayton
Nathan Aspinall 6-1 Michael Smith
Cristo Reyes 6-2 Chris Dobey
