Vintage Van Gerwen Whitewashes De Decker to Reach Final Day in Prague

Day two at the Czech Darts Open was dominated by the seeded players, with 12 of the 16 progressing to the final day, a rare show of strength from the top names on this year’s European Tour.

But while many impressed, one man stole the spotlight. Michael van Gerwen rolled back the years in Prague, producing a stunning 112.73 average as he demolished a helpless Mike De Decker 6–0 in a vintage display.

MvG making his way onto the stage ahead of his game in Prague (Photo by: Johannes Michel/PDC Europe)

Afternoon Session

The afternoon session began with Ross Smith and Martin Schindler picking up routine victories over Andrew Gilding and Madars Razma, respectively. Neither player was at their best, but professional displays were enough to see them safely through to the last 16.

Wessel Nijman continued his impressive European Tour form, edging out No.9 seed Damon Heta 6-5. Nijman averaged just shy of a ton and hit 66.7% of his doubles, holding his nerve against a steady opponent.

Jermaine Wattimena then dispatched No.6 seed Chris Dobey 6-2. Dobey struggled on the doubles, often his undoing on the European Tour, while Wattimena was clinical, hitting six of eight attempts to finish.

Gian van Veen followed up with a comfortable 6-2 win over his World Cup teammate Danny Noppert. He averaged 99.97 and landed six maximums in a commanding performance.

No.11 seed Dave Chisnall’s difficult European Tour run continued as he bowed out 6-4 to an impressive Ryan Searle, who averaged 103 in victory. This marked Chisnall’s sixth consecutive opening-round exit on the European Tour.

Peter Wright secured a much-needed 6-4 win over Benjamin Pratnemer in a scrappy contest, averaging just 83.24 but doing enough to progress.

Closing out the session in style, Jonny Clayton showcased a professional display against Ryan Joyce, winning 6-2. The Welshman averaged 97.31, hit two maximums, and converted 50% of his doubles.

Evening Session

Rob Cross claimed his first European Tour victory since May, hammering a below-par Krzysztof Ratajski 6-1. ‘Voltage’ was in fine form, landing three maximums, hitting 60% of his doubles, and averaging just shy of a ton to return to winning ways.

Gerwyn Price returned after a couple of weeks sidelined with a hand infection and showed no signs of trouble. ‘The Iceman’ confidently saw off young German Niko Springer 6-2, averaging 100.78 and converting an incredible 85.7% of his doubles (6/7) in an impressive display.

Stephen Bunting came through a tight battle with Kevin Doets, prevailing 6-4, while James Wade was in scintillating form, defeating Nathan Aspinall 6-3. ‘The Machine’ hit five maximums and 75% on doubles, finishing with a stunning 107.71 average.

The highly anticipated clash between reigning champion Luke Humphries and the explosive Dirk van Duijvenbode fell short of expectations. Both struggled to find rhythm, averaging just 86 and 83, respectively, and missed a combined 40 darts at double. Humphries eventually edged the contest 6-4, including a bizarre 25-dart leg to hold in the decider.

World No.2 Luke Littler, ‘The Nuke’, then produced a comprehensive 6-2 victory over Cameron Menzies. Littler averaged 98.92, hit two maximums, and converted 60% of his doubles to progress comfortably.

In the penultimate match, Michael van Gerwen rolled back the years with a vintage display, demolishing reigning World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker 6-0. MvG hit three maximums, a 154 checkout, and finished 66.7% of his doubles, averaging 112.73, the highest European Tour average of the season. De Decker was left helpless, not getting a single shot at a double.

The session closed with Josh Rock producing a 6-2 win over William O’Connor. Rock’s reigning World Cup champion status showed as he comfortably controlled the contest, while O’Connor struggled to find any rhythm, averaging just 87.

Looking Ahead to Cup Collection Day!

With 12 of the Top 16 seeds still in the hunt, Sunday will see a champion crowned at the Czech Darts Open in Prague.

Although no home hopes remain, the final day features plenty of big names battling for glory on the European Tour stage. Defending champion Luke Humphries will be aiming for a third Czech Open title, World No.2 Luke Littler looks to add another country to his growing list of victories, while Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen will both be chasing further European Tour success.

With so much firepower still in contention, the final day promises top-quality darts and potentially spectacular moments for the Prague crowd.

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