It is time for the third round and many favorites have already left the tournament.
The second round is finished and it has offered a handfull of surprises. As recently as yesterday, Ian White and Gerwyn Price had to leave the tournament after two defeats.
Thus, there are only six left from the world’s top ten, now that the third round starts. Three of them are already in action today.
Afternoonsession
Ryan Joyce v Allan Norris
Allan Norris is ready for the third round after a nerve-racking match against Steve Lennon in the second round. The match had to be decided in an 11th and decisive leg in the fifth set before the Englishman could withdraw victoriously from the match. He meets Ryan Joyce today, who surprised most by beating Simon Whitlock by 3-0 in the second round. Simon Whitlock never hit his best the level in that match, so Ryan Joyce must almost expect more resistance today.
Dave Chisnall v Kim Huybrechts
Dave Chisnall had to pull on the routine in his second round showdown when he turned 0-2 to a 3-2 win against Josh Payne. The Englishman found it very difficult to find the rhythm against his somewhat younger compatriot. If Kim Huybrechts hits the same level as he showed in the second round, then Dave Chisnall has to find a completely different gear today. The Belgian thus beat Daniel Larsson by 3-0 with an impressive 103.26 average.
Daryl Gurney v Jamie Lewis
Daryl Gurney and Jamie Lewis have met each other seven times before. Daryl Gurney has won five of them, and it could easily indicate another one for Gurney today. He thus impressed in his second round match against Ross Smith, in which he averaged 100.30 in the 3-0 victory. Jamie Lewis struggled somewhat more in his match against Cody Harris, where he was almost throwing a 2-0 lead away. The Welsh won the match by 3-2.
Eveningsession
Ryan Searle v William O’Connor
Ryan Searle shocked the dart world when he sent Mensur Suljovic out of the tournament. Otherwise, Suljovic started fantastic in the match, but Ryan Searle managed to exploit his opportunities in the match. He is today up against William O’Connor who played quite good in the second round, beating James Wilson by 3-0. This could easily become one of the more even matches of today’s program.
Gary Anderson v Jermaine Wattimena
Gary Anderson has never lost to Jermaine Wattimena, but with the development of the tournament one cannot gradually use that kind of statistics. Gary Anderson played a sensible match in the second round, though without impressing. However, Jermaine Wattimena did not impress in his second round when he averaged below 90. But he won 3-0 against Michael Barnard. However, Gary Anderson is a much better opponent, so the Dutchman may be having a hard time tonight.
Michael van Gerwen v Max Hopp
Despite a average that was a bit lower than Danny Noppert, Max Hopp still won their match by 3-0. He will be up against Michael van Gerwen, who, despite beer throws, impressed with an average of 102.59 in the second round. Here he won with 3-1 against Alan Tabern, who otherwise did a vigorous attempt to follow the Dutchman. Michael van Gerwen and Max Hopp have previously met each other five times, and it has become a victory for the Dutchman every time.
All matches in the third round will be played best of seven sets.