Ricardo Pietreczko glides past Gliding at the European Championships

Even though it was far from his best, he managed to qualify for the European Championship quarterfinals in his home country of Germany. In the end, Pikachu defeated the 2023 UK Open champion 10-3.

The German pinned his first and only 180 of the match early on, as he sped into a five-leg lead against Gliding. Goldfinger would eventually win his three legs over the next five legs following a string of missed darts at double previously.

They would turn out to be little more than consolation, though, as Ricardo Pietrecezko would finish the game with no real pressure and a checkout percentage of 47.62%—nearly twice as high as Andrew Gliding’s (25%).

Elsewhere at the European Championship (Evening Session)

The World Number One proving it once more

Luke Humphries, the current World Champion, defeated Jonny Clayton, the Welshman, by the identical score of 10-3. Humphries’ impressive 102.33 average was more than 10 points higher than his opponent Clayton’s.

The two would split the first five legs, but the current World Cup winner would take a marginal 3-2 lead. It was then one-way traffic for the World Matchplay Champion who would reel of six on the spin without the Ferret responding, meaning he was just one step away.

Humphries would win by taking out 45 after giving up the twelfth leg.

Anderson destroys the Green Machine

Throughout the year, there have been indications of Gary Anderson’s comeback, which were once again demonstrated during his matchup with Michael van Gerwen. Reeling off five maximums, while the Dutchman managed none.

The Scotman would pin the higher checkout of the two, pulling out a magnificent 122 in leg 10, although both players pinned a ton plus checkout over the match.

It was a disappointing effort from the four-time European Champion, van Gerwen who has struggled for form all throughout the year, but it was chance well grabbed by the 2015 Runner-up – Gary Anderson as he only restricted the Green Machine to a measly four legs in compared to his ten.

 

Wattimena powers through against the Machine

James Wade got things off to the ideal start, quickly taking a 5-1 lead against the 36-year-old. But the Machine Gun fired back, levelling the score at 6–6.

Before the pair would trade legs to force a last leg shootout, where the Dutchman would seal it in style taking out the highest checkout of the match with an inch-perfect 124 with Wade waiting away on 100.

 

European Championship

Day 3 – Evening Results

Michael van Gerwen 4-10 Gary Anderson

James Wade 9-10 Jermaine Wattimena

Luke Humphries 10-3 Jonny Clayton

Andrew Gliding 3-10 Ricardo Pietreczko