The Netherlands dominate on day one of the World Cup of Darts
The Netherlands dominate on day one of the World Cup of Darts
The Netherlands launched their quest for a fifth BetVictor World Cup of Darts title—one that would match the current record—with a commanding 4-0 win over Italy, as host nation Germany also got off to a victorious start in Frankfurt.
Day One of the 40-nation tournament featured the first 12 group-stage matches at the Eissporthalle, where previous finalists like Belgium, Austria, and the Republic of Ireland also chalked up wins.
In Group A, the Dutch duo of Danny Noppert and Gian van Veen delivered a clean sweep over Italy’s Michele Turetta and Massimo Dalla Rosa, who had reached the quarter-finals last year. Van Veen, the reigning World Youth Champion, marked his debut with a win, while Noppert impressed with an average of 104—putting the Netherlands within reach of the knockout stage.
Germany’s team of Martin Schindler and newcomer Ricardo Pietreczko battled to a 4-2 victory over Portugal, who were represented by former Grand Slam champion Jose de Sousa and debutant Bruno Nascimento.
Austria, twice runners-up, delivered the standout performance of the night. Mensur Suljovic and Rusty-Jake Rodriguez averaged just over 99 in a convincing 4-1 win over Spain. Suljovic, one of only three players to appear in every edition of the tournament, was in fine form—averaging nearly 106 and hitting three of his four checkouts in a standout display.
Belgium’s restructured team, featuring Mike De Decker and Dimitri Van den Bergh, also looked sharp as they took down Latvia 4-1 to lead Group B.
Three Asian teams—Japan, Malaysia, and Hong Kong—also made successful starts to their campaigns. In Group K, Japan’s Ryusei Azemoto and Tomoya Goto staged a dramatic comeback against Croatia, surviving match darts in the final three legs to win from 3-1 down.
Malaysia celebrated a milestone with their first-ever World Cup win, defeating tenth seeds Canada 4-1 thanks to Tengku Shah and Tan Jenn Ming. Hong Kong matched that scoreline, with Man Lok Leung and Lok Yin Lee beating the USA.
In Group D, the Republic of Ireland—finalists in 2019—opened with a 4-2 victory over Gibraltar. Keane Barry contributed a 121 finish and ended the match with a sharp 11-dart leg.
Sweden, who reached the quarter-finals last year, got their Group G campaign off to a flying start. Jeffrey de Graaf and Oskar Lukasiak eased past Lithuania 4-1 in a clinical showing.
Poland’s Krzysztof Ratajski and Radek Szaganski edged past South Africa in a last-leg decider, securing a 14-dart break despite Devon Petersen’s return to the big stage.
Czechia grabbed an important two points in a tight contest against Chinese Taipei, who surprised many in the previous tournament. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Haupai Puha and Mark Cleaver dominated Finland with a 4-0 whitewash to open Group L.
The nations that lost their opening matches will face the third teams in their respective groups during Friday’s afternoon session. The final and decisive round-robin games will follow in the evening.
Once group play wraps up, the draw for the last 16 will be conducted Friday night. Top seeds England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland will then join the action in Saturday’s second round.
The Netherlands dominate on day one of the World Cup of Darts
2025 BetVictor World Cup of Darts
Thursday June 12
First Group Matches (Seeded Nation v Nation 2)
Sweden 4-1 Lithuania (G)
Czechia 4-2 Chinese Taipei (J)
Japan 4-3 Croatia (K)
Republic of Ireland 4-2 Gibraltar (D)
Malaysia 4-1 Canada (F)
Hong Kong 4-1 USA (I)
Poland 4-3 South Africa (E)
Belgium 4-1 Latvia (B)
Netherlands 4-0 Italy (A)
Germany 4-2 Portugal (C)
Austria 4-1 Spain (H)
New Zealand 4-0 Finland (L)
Friday June 13
Afternoon Session (1200 local time)
Second Group Matches (Thursday’s Losing Team v Nation 3)
Lithuania v France (G)
Chinese Taipei v India (J)
Croatia v Switzerland (K)
Gibraltar v China (D)
Canada v Denmark (F)
USA v Bahrain (I)
South Africa v Norway (E)
Latvia v Philippines (B)
Italy v Hungary (A)
Portugal v Singapore (C)
Spain v Australia (H)
Finland v Argentina (L)
Evening Session (1900 local time)
Third Group Matches (Thursday’s Winning Team v Nation 3)
Sweden v France (G)
Czechia v India (J)
Japan v Switzerland (K)
Republic of Ireland v China (D)
Malaysia v Denmark (F)
Hong Kong v Bahrain (I)
Poland v Norway (E)
Belgium v Philippines (B)
Netherlands v Hungary (A)
Germany v Singapore (C)
Austria v Australia (H)
New Zealand v Argentina (L)
