Hopp Returns to the Euro Tour with first win in over two years

At the NEO.bet German Darts Championship on Friday, Dom Taylor defeated Raymond van Barneveld with a faultless exhibition of finishing on the outer double ring. Peter Wright, Jonny Clayton, and James Wade were the other winners.

Throughout his storied career, Dutch legend Van Barneveld has enjoyed several historic matchups with a Taylor, usually Phil. However, this time, he could only look on as an inspired Dom advanced to meet top seed Dave Chisnall at Halle 39 in Hildesheim.

Taylor of Bristol increased his lead to 3-0 by eliminating 82, 150, and 76. He also led 5-1 after making 14 and 13 dart finishes, missing only one dart at a double, at the bull for a 170 final.

Van Barneveld answered with a 161 checkout to maintain his chances, but Taylor came back to pin double eight and complete a clinical showing, missing the bull to take out 164.

“I’m happy with that,” said the 26-year-old. “I always seem to play better when it’s [players with] the legendary status or the higher-ranked player – I must just love the pressure.”

The two-time world champion Wright defeated German prospect Niko Springer 6-4, with finishes of 100, 116, 120, and 105. In leg nine of an intense match, Springer scored a 128 checkout.

After a back-and-forth battle with Martin Lukeman, Clayton prevailed 6-5; the Welshman will now face Ryan Searle in the second round.

Wade defeated Maik Kuivenhoven 6-3 to set up a matchup between two of the most successful players in history against Michael van Gerwen in the second round.

Early on, Wade had a 3-0 lead, and legs of 14, 12, and 14 darts were sufficient to stave off the Dutchman’s comeback.

Max Hopp, the former World Youth Champion, defeated Jose de Sousa 6-2 to mark his comeback to the European Tour. In his first big-stage appearance in more than two years, the well-liked German ace finished with an 11-darter.

In his last match on the European Tour before retiring at the end of 2024, veteran player Dylan Slevin defeated Steve Beaton 6-4 by holding off his comeback from a 3-0 deficit.

“Steve is a legend and I was privileged to play him on his final Euro Tour [appearance],” said Slevin, who now plays Luke Littler on Saturday.

“Luke’s a serious talent. Getting to the final of the World Championship is a huge accomplishment but if I can play a small bit better tomorrow maybe I’ll get over the line, and I’ll enjoy it.”

Twelve years ago, Simon Whitlock won the European Tour. He broke a tie with Callan Rydz and won 6-4. As a result, he will play the defending champion Ricardo Pietreczko in the second round on Saturday.

With a 102.43 average and a commanding 6-2 victory over UK Open champion Dimitri Van den Bergh, Mensur Suljovic turned back the clock.

In round two, the experienced Austrian will now face Martin Schindler in an attempt to advance to Sunday’s final stages in Hildesheim.

After down 2-0 against Sweden’s Johan Engstrom, former UK Open champion Andrew Gilding rallied to win 6-4 and advance to a tie with Ryan Joyce.

After defeating German qualifier Dragutin Horvat over nine legs, Poland’s Krzysztof Ratajski began his quest to win a third European Tour tournament. This set up a matchup with Gerwyn Price for this Saturday.

After dominating Brendan Dolan 6-2, Dirk van Duijvenbode advanced to an all-Dutch second round matchup against Danny Noppert.

For the first time since the 2023 Austrian Darts Open, Nick Kenny won on the European Tour, defeating Jelle Klaasen 6-3 after coming back from a 3-2 deficit.

Robert Owen defeated Poland’s Krzysztof Kciuk 6-3, impressing with a 102 average to set up a second round encounter with Gian van Veen.

After splitting the first four legs with German qualifier Matthias Ehlers, Mickey Mansell defeated him 6-2 to advance to a second round tie with Chris Dobey.

In a close match to start the evening session, Ritchie Edhouse defeated Luke Woodhouse 6-5. He then went on to face Damon Heta in the round of 32.

In his 6-4 victory over Croatia’s Boris Krcmar, Stephen Burton completed six doubles out of eleven tries, earning a 121 finish to win his first European Tour match and go to a tie with Daryl Gurney.

2024 NEO.bet German Darts Championship

Friday August 30

First Round

Afternoon Session

Nick Kenny 6-3 Jelle Klaasen

Robert Owen 6-3 Krzysztof Kciuk

Mickey Mansell 6-2 Matthias Ehlers

Andrew Gilding 6-4 Johan Engstrom

Dylan Slevin 6-4 Steve Beaton

Stephen Burton 6-4 Boris Krcmar

Krzysztof Ratajski 6-3 Dragutin Horvat

Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-2 Brendan Dolan

 

Evening Session

Ritchie Edhouse 6-5 Luke Woodhouse

Max Hopp 6-2 Jose De Sousa

James Wade 6-3 Maik Kuivenhoven

Dom Taylor 6-2 Raymond van Barneveld

Peter Wright 6-4 Niko Springer

Jonny Clayton 6-5 Martin Lukeman

Simon Whitlock 6-4 Callan Rydz

Mensur Suljovic 6-2 Dimitri Van den Bergh