PDC Poland Darts Masters – Day 1
The 2024 World Series of Darts three week trip around the world comes to its final stop for its fifth instalment in 2024, with this weekend’s tournament showcased in Poland.
Michael van Gerwen arrives in Poland in as the defending champion, where he defeated Dimitri van den Bergh comfortably in the final 8-3.
Stephen Bunting filled in for Gerywn Price as the Fazakerley born dartist accompanied the remaining seven Premier League players in Gliwice.
Game 1: Rob Cross vs Sebastian Bialecki
Rob Cross’ bid for three finals in three weeks saw him get off to the best possible start in Poland, defeating young prodigy Sebastian Bialecki 6-1. With him converting 50% of his attempts on the outer-ring, it made him difficult to break down and even hit a high outshot of 156 on his path to victory.
Game 2: Nathan Aspinall vs Boris Krcmar
Boris Krcmar put on a strong showing in his clash with Nathan Aspinall by putting himself into the last eight on Saturday. Right from the start he took the first two legs and hit a 127 checkout. Aspinall was able to recover to win the next three before Krcmar battled hard to put himself through. Aspinall’s struggles on the doubles told the story despite his impressive 5 180’s and 14+ 140’s scores.
Game 3: Michael Smith vs Radek Szaganski
Michael Smith edged out Radek Szaganski 6-4 in their encounter, but Smith should have wrapped up the match sooner. Despite finishing with a more than respectable 95 average, Smith’s 17.65% on doubles delayed the inevitable win. To Szaganski’s credit, he popped in a pleasing 140 checkout and was able to punish from Smith’s mistakes and even led 4-3 at one point.
Game 4: Peter Wright vs Jacek Krupka
Peter Wright made amends from his first round exit last week in Copenhagen to seal a convincing 6-0 whitewash victory over Jacek Krupka. Wright averaged only 81.98 in a disappointing performance, but his opponent only averaged 64.91 which enabled him to win resoundingly.
Game 5: Michael van Gerwen vs Karel Sedlacek
Michael van Gerwen was untroubled in his clash with Karel Sedlacek on route to victory, averaging 95 in the process. The Dutchman kicked off proceedings with a 115 checkout and went on a five leg streak before Sedlacek won a consolation leg when Van Gerwen was one away, but that was all he could muster.
Game 6: Luke Littler vs Adam Gawlas
Luke Littler ended a late comeback charge from Adam Gawlas to progress through in their game. Littler found himself in a 3-0 and 5-1 lead before Gawlas came fighting back to reel off three legs of his own. Littler broke throw in the final leg to stop the rot and put himself through.
Game 7: Stephen Bunting vs Krzysztof Ratajski
Stephen Bunting’s debut at the World Series in Poland got off to the best possible start as he demolished home favourite Krzysztof Ratajski 6-1. Despite Ratajski averaging 97.24, his 1/12 outshot attempts changed the complexity of the game and he found himself 5-0 down. Bunting’s doubling allowed him to dominate despite averaging in similar fashion. Bunting threw a 116 and Ratajski’s only leg was a 118 checkout.
Game 8: Luke Humphries vs Gyorgy Jegirszki
Luke Humphries rounded off the night with a dominant display over Hungarian Gyorgy Jegirszki, winning 6-1. In similar fashion to game 7, Humphries’ doubling punished Jehirszki considerably despite not displaying his vibrant scoring power. Both dart players hit 2 maximums each and were even on 140+ scores too, throwing 7 apiece.