Luke Littler made quick work of local qualifier Zoran Lerchbacher on the first day of action at the Austrian Darts Open in Graz, a day after beating Rob Cross to record his third night win of the Premier League darts season in Liverpool.
The 17-year-old Premier League leader wrapped up the first two legs before losing his throw and allowing his Austrian rival – 34 years ‘Nuke’s’ senior – a leg back, but took control and claimed the final three legs. to book his ticket to round two, where he faces stiff competition in second seed Demon Hetta.
Gerwyn Price was among the top 16 seeds who were given a bye into the second round, but had to withdraw on Friday due to a pinched nerve in his back.
The Welshman was replaced directly by reserve Daniel Close, who will face Andrew Gilding on Saturday, following his 6-2 win over the host nation’s Dominik Haberl for his first European Tour victory of the year.
Reigning champion Jonny Clayton will face Chris Dubey after “Hollywood” comfortably defeated Graham Hall 6-2 with a 106.5 average.
Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan set up a showdown with top seed Dave Chisnall after a 6-3 win over host nation qualifier Hans Schneier, while compatriot Darrell Gurney will take on fourth seed Cross after beating Martin Lukeman 6-3 to open the evening session.
International Darts Open champion Martin Schindler averages 111.4 and made six of 10 doubles in a 6-4 victory over James Wade, and will face 12th seed Riccardo Petriczko on Saturday when Raymond Wayne Barneveld will also face Ross Smith. De Decker secured a 6-5 win which saw him post a crucial 136 check out.
The clash between Dimitri van den Berg and Gabriel Clemens also came down to the deciding leg, with the former checking out 152 for victory and now having to overcome seventh seed Josh Rock.
Dom Taylor made a European Tour start to remember with a whitewash win over host nation qualifier Christian Goodell in the afternoon session and will face 15th seed Krzysztof Ratajski in the opening round of the second round.
The Bristolian fired three 14-darters and became only the ninth player to post a ton-plus average in his first European Tour match with his 100.2.
Fellow tour debutant Danny Lauby, playing alongside two-time world champion Peter Wright, posted a check out of 121 en route to a 6-4 win over Ryan Joyce, while Richie Edhouse had the same score. boosted his World Match Play qualification campaign after defeating Aaron Monk from .
He will play Dirk van Duyvenbode in round two, while Ricky Evans was unable to join him as he missed three match darts in the decider to Richard Veenstra, who meets Stephen Bunting.
Jeffrey de Zwaan defeated Karel Siedlicek 6-3, advancing to the evening clash with Michael van Gerwen. Darius Labanauskas will meet Joe Kolin in round two after he won 6-4 against Madras Razma, and Vasyl Nijman, who is set to play Danny Knoppert, made it six in the curtain-raiser, 6-5 against Romeo Grbavac. victory
Dutchman Gian van Veen was not kicked out due to a day of flight delays and cancellations that left him stranded at the airport for eight hours, beating Jose de Sousa 6-1 and beating ninth seed Ryan. Together reached Graz in time to book a second round meeting. Siri
Credit : www.independent.co.uk
