Christmas is still a long way off, but Cristo Reyes had a huge gift ready for the fans today at the ELTEN Safety Shoes Austrian Darts Open in the Messe Congress Graz. The Spaniard hit the first 9-darter in Austria since 2012, becoming the 19th player to achieve this feat on the European Tour. Beyond that, Saturday delivered everything a darts weekend needs.
It was the first 9-darter in Austria since the very first perfect game in European Tour history in 2012 – which took place back then in Wiener Neustadt. Now, Cristo Reyes ended this long wait against Damon Heta with nine flawless darts, writing his chapter in the Tour’s history books. For the Spaniard, it was the first 9-darter of his career in front of the TV cameras and the 25th perfect leg in European Tour history overall. Reyes deservedly advanced to the 3rd round with a 6:4 victory.
Springer dismantles ProTour leader Nijman
The biggest sporting surprise of the day was provided by Niko Springer. The “Meenzer Bub” faced Wessel Nijman, the current leader of the ProTour rankings and one of the most in-form players of the season. With a 6:0 win, Springer handed Nijman his first whitewash of the year and once again confirmed his strong form on the European Tour.
Defending champion Martin Schindler also put in a strong performance. Against Peter Wright, “The Wall” allowed little resistance in a 6:2 win, underlining his ambitions for a fourth European Tour title of his career.
Razma shocks van Veen
Another major surprise came from Madars Razma. The Latvian, who had already knocked out one Dutchman in Dirk van Duijvenbode on Friday, defeated the number 1 seed Gian van Veen 6:5. This marks his first appearance on the final day of a European Tour event in over a year.
All results from Saturday
Jermaine Wattimena 4:6 Andrew Gilding
Mike De Decker 3:6 Ryan Joyce
Rob Cross 6:3 William O’Connor
Ryan Searle 2:6 Kevin Doets
Ross Smith 6:3 Niels Zonneveld
Damon Heta 4:6 Cristo Reyes
Luke Woodhouse 6:1 Rob Owen
Chris Dobey 5:6 Kim Huybrechts
Daryl Gurney 6:3 Ian White
Josh Rock 6:3 Patrik Kovacs
James Wade 6:2 Mensur Suljovic
Michael van Gerwen 6:3 Krzysztof Ratajski
Danny Noppert 6:5 Alan Soutar
Gian van Veen 5:6 Madars Razma
Martin Schindler 6:2 Peter Wright
Wessel Nijman 0:6 Niko Springer
Outlook for Sunday
On Sunday, the stars will battle for the title at the ELTEN Safety Shoes Austrian Darts Open. On his path to defending the title, Martin Schindler must first overcome Ross Smith. Michael van Gerwen, now the highest-seeded player remaining, faces Rob Cross. Tickets for the final day are still available HERE.
