MvG edges past Suljovic in a thriller, to win the European Darts Trophy!

MvG Suljovic.jpg — Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Michael van Gerwen marked his return to European Tour action with a bang, firing in a remarkable 11-darter in a deciding leg to edge out Mensur Suljovic in a thrilling HappyBet European Darts Trophy final at the RWE Arena in Muelheim, on Sunday evening.

The world number one trailed 4-2 and 5-4 at one stage, as Suljovic appeared poised to win his second successive European Tour event.

Yet, Van Gerwen illustrated why he is the best player in world darts, by wrapping up the final two legs in just 23 darts, to finish with a 106.77 average and clinch the 13th European Tour title of his illustrious career. Suljovic acquitted himself superbly, averaging 101.26, but he had to settle for the runner’s up cheque on this occasion.

MvG fired in a brilliant 170 score in the opening leg, but Suljovic was unphased, and converted a two-dart 81 kill for a 14-dart hold. Van Gerwen delivered an immediate response though, hitting his first maximum and pinning tops to level up proceedings.

‘The Green Machine’ secured the first break of throw in the final, kicking off the leg with five perfect darts, before hitting D16 to round off a brilliant 11-darter. Yet, Suljovic secured an instant break back, wirh a fine 84 finish for a 12-dart leg.

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September 11, 2016 0

European Darts Trophy: Day One Report!

Kyle Anderson, Vincent van der Voort, Jamie Caven and Joe Cullen all made it through to the second-round of the European Darts Trophy, whilst Mervyn King, Robbie Green, Max Hopp and Jamie Lewis all suffered early exits at the RWE Arena in Muelheim on Friday.

Kyle Anderson produced one of the performances of the first-round, as he whitewashed Darren Webster to set up a second-round clash with International Darts Open finalist, Kim Huybrechts. ‘The Original’ was in fine form, averaging 95, landing three maximums and hitting 6 of his 11 attempts at a double.

Former European Tour winner Vincent van der Voort breezed into round-two with a convincing 6-1 win over home-favourite Max Hopp. The World-Youth champion was considerably below par; Vincent took full advantage, averaging 95.5 and hitting three 180’s, to set up an enthralling second-round clash with his compatriot Jelle Klaasen.

Jamie Caven and Devon Petersen overcame major scares, as they survived match darts to defeat Kevin Munch and Matthew Dennant respectively. Munch took out a fine 100 finish to force a last-leg decider, but he squandered darts for victory. Caven snatched the win with a brilliant 95 checkout, to set up a meeting with Dave Chisnall on Saturday.

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September 9, 2016 0

HappyBet European Darts Trophy Draw!

Wade & Van Gerwen return!.jpg — Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Michael van Gerwen and James Wade will make their return to PDC European Tour action at the HappyBet European Darts Trophy in Muelheim this weekend. The pair missed last weekend’s International Darts Open in Riesa due to injury and illness respectively, although both are fit to participate at the RWE Arena.

Van Gerwen and Wade have both tasted success on the European Tour in 2016, and MvG could face a second-round clash with former World-Youth champion Keegan Brown. ‘The Machine’ will meet either Ritchie Edhouse, or former major semi-finalist Justin Pipe on Saturday afternoon.

However, one man who won’t be competing in Muelheim is Dutch Darts Masters finalist Daryl Gurney, who remains sidelined with a broken finger. The Northern Irishman was forced to pull out of last weekend’s event due to his injury, and he will be replaced by a fifth home-nation qualifier.

Thursday evening will see five German players come through the Host Nation Qualifier, with the main event commencing on Friday as the 32 qualifiers face off.

One of the ties of the first-round will see the veteran Mervyn King take on Belgian hotshot Dimitri van den Bergh, whilst Andy Smith takes on Robbie Green. Elsewhere, German Darts Masters semi-finalist Joe Cullen will take on new-dad Jamie Lewis, who welcomed daughter Jorgie into the world on Thursday morning.

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September 8, 2016 0

Superb Smith Stuns MvG in Muelheim Classic!

Michael Smith wins EDT15 — Photo: Professional Darts Corporation

Michael Smith retained his European Darts Trophy in incredible fashion, as he comprehensively dispatched Michael van Gerwen 6-2, in a repeat of last year’s final.

Smith claimed his maiden European title in Leipzig last year, with a dramatic 6-5 win over MvG, but his victory this year was far more emphatic.

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September 13, 2015 0

European Darts Trophy- Draw and Preview!

The PDC European Tour gets back underway after a prolonged break this weekend, as the European Darts Trophy is held at the RWE Sporthalle in Muelheim.

The German venue previously hosted the PDC’s European Championship in 2014, where Michael van Gerwen memorably hit a perfect nine-dart leg in his semi-final against Raymond van Barneveld, en route to his tournament win.

Van Gerwen will be aiming to rediscover that magical form after a rather underwhelming World Series by his exceptional standards, in Australia.

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September 10, 2015 0