The second round will be finished today after two insane surprises yesterday.
Today it is only four matches, unlike yesterday’s twelve matches from both the first and second round.
No matter what, today can hardly be as sensational as yesterday.
The second round’s first match was between Joe Cullen and Michael Smith. Here, Joe Cullen was superior and won the game in safe style by 10-4.
In the next match, Simon Whitlock was opposed to Peter Wright. Both players had shown very nice games in the first round, but it was not something they had taken on to the second round. But something sensational, Simon Whitlock won by 10-6.
Rob Cross then showed no mercy towards Richard North. Despite the fact that Rob Cross has certainly played with a higher average in his career, it became impressive 10-2 in the world champions favor.
But no one had expected the result from the nights last match. The match, probably among 2018’s biggest sensations, between Michael van Gerwen and Steve West was won by 10-7. However, it was Steve West who had won. Thus, Steve West won against Michael van Gerwen in his twelfth attempt. That’s why we also know that the European Championship will find a new winner for the first time in five years.
Today, as stated before, it is in four matches and the first is between Gerwyn Price and Dave Chisnall. Chisnall played well in the first round, where he beat Adrian Lewis by 6-5. At the same time, he also averaged almost 98, which is a pretty fine average. Tonight he meets Gerwyn Price, who beat Kyle Anderson by 6-4 to reach the second round. The Welsh has only won once against Dave Chisnall in the four matches that the two have played against each other. The victory was back in 2016.
Then Cristo Reyes, who sensationally beat Mensur Suljovic in the first round, is up against Darren Webster. The two have met twice before and here there have been two victories for the little Englishman. The one time was during this year’s Danish Darts Open, where Darren Webster won by 6-5. On the paper, Webster should win again, but after yesterday’s matches there is nothing safe in this tournament.
James Wade will then try to win against Ricky Evans. Ricky Evans comes with confidence as he beat Daryl Gurney in yesterday’s match, winning by 6-4. James Wade won by 6-3 agianst Martin Schindler in the first round. Ricky Evans and James Wade have met three times before, and there have been two wins for Ricky Evans, who has a small upper hand against James Wade.
The last match of the evening is between Max Hopp and James Wilson. Max Hopp experienced a massive backing from the crowd yesterday when he beat William O’Connor without much hassle. The Irishman had major problems facing the massive pressure, a pressure that James Wilson will face today. However, it must be assumed that Wilson has some more routine and can look beyond this. That’s why Max Hopp will have to find an extra gear today, because Wilson comes with a good experience. Thus he surely won against Jonny Clayton in yesterday’s match, where he played with an average just below 104.
This evenings matches can be seen on PDC.TV and from eight o’clock.
Saturday October 28 (2000 local time, 1900 UK time)
Second Round
Gerwyn Price v Dave Chisnall
Cristo Reyes v Darren Webster
James Wade v Ricky Evans
Max Hopp v James Wilson