The first day of the Flanders Darts Trophy this year was incredible, with sublime finishes, ton plus averages, and even a nine-dart attempt.

The Dutch destroyer

With an average slightly short of 100, Raymond van Barneveld easily defeated Maik Kuivenhoven, who was defenseless.

Barney had a wonderful start to the Flanders Darts Trophy in the opening leg, pinning six flawless darts, which created the opportunity for a perfect leg. Sadly it was not to be, though.

Although the former World Champion pinned a 130 checkout  in leg four. He keeps up his brutality against Kuivenhoven, whom he hasn’t defeated since October 2021, when they faced off in the Players Championship 27.

Shaggy steals the show

Williams’ performance was remarkable for a number of reasons, starting with his average, which barely exceeded 100 (100.73), and his remarkable eight maximums over the course of the nine legs.

It’s also crucial to recognise his amazing 164 checkout, which he accomplished in the game’s penultimate leg and which, for the first time since leg two, regained his two-leg cushion.

 

No luck for the Irish

Everyone was waiting to see if Peter Wright, the recent winner of the German Darts Championship, would back it up.

It was always going to be interesting to see how he fared in his next game after defeating Luke Littler in the final not so long ago. This time, Snakebite faced the challenge of Brendan Dolan, who forced a last leg match.

Nevertheless, Wright won and finished the match with a cool 98.

The highest average of the day defeated his fellow Northern Irishman, Daryl Gurney. The average that Ritchie Edhouse, who keeps up his excellent form from 2024, was holding.

The Madhouse recorded a 60% checkout percentage on doubles and an amazing average of 104.63. Super Chin finally answered with one of his own in leg four after Ritchie Edhouse raced into a three-leg lead.

Before two consecutive breaks of throws, one for each, Gurney’s subsequent 101 checkout proved to be a consolation. Edhouse would close out  the last two legs.

 

Soutar sweeps aside Tobback

Jody Tobback was defeated by Alan Soutar six legs to one in the only other clean sweep.

Even though he only gave the Belgian three chances to go double, Soutar’s 42.86% checkout rate was eventually sufficient to cross the finishing line.

Though it was far from his peak from the past, it was sufficient to secure his spot in the next round.

 

Elsewhere on the opening day

A number of high checkouts occurred that day, but none were as high as Mike De Decker’s, who produced the big fish on his way to defeat Richard Veenstra by six legs to two.

Jitse van der Wal defeated Sebastian Bialecki six legs to two on a day marked by the domination of the Dutch. In addition, Jermaine Wattimena, Dirk van Duijvenbode, and Kevin Doets have all secured spots in the next round of the Flanders Darts Trophy. Wattimena deserves particular recognition for his flawless 142 checkout, which included a triple twenty, a bullseye, and a double sixteen.

After defeating Luc Bogaert 6–3, Luke Woodhouse also advanced to the second round with ease. Robert Owen also defeated the Polish Eagle Krzysztof Ratajski 6–3.

Following their victories over Martin Lukeman, Cameron Menzies, Dimitri van den Bergh, and Callum Rydz, respectively, Gabriel Clemens, James Wade, Andrew Gilding, and Joe Cullen are also through to the next round of the draw.

 

Day 1 Results of Flanders Darts Trophy

Friday 6th September 2024

Jitse van der Wal 6-2 Sebastian Bialecki

Marko Kantele 3-6 Scott Williams

Jody Tobback 0-6 Alan Soutar

Luke Woodhouse 6-3 Luc Bogaert

Krzysztof Ratajski 3-6 Robert Owen

Jermaine Wattimena 6-4 Brian Raman

Gabriel Clemens 6-5 Martin Lukeman

Daryl Gurney 3-6 Ritchie Edhouse

Francois Schweyen 4-6 Kevin Doets

Johnny Clayton 2-6 Dirk van Duijvenbode

Mike De Decker 6-2 Richard Veenstra

Raymond van Barneveld 6-0 Maik Kuivenhoven

Cameron Menzies 4-6 James Wade

Andrew Gilding 6-2 Dimitri Van den Bergh

Brendan Dolan 5-6 Peter Wright

Joe Cullen 6-4 Callan Rydz