Raymond van Barneveld rolled again the years to knock out world primary Luke Humphreys on the NEO.wager European Open.
The 57-year-old Dutchman took benefit of an off evening for the reigning world champion to assert a 6-4 victory in entrance of a raucous German crowd.
Van Barneveld produced 5 180s and defied a ton of finishes from the highest seed to progress to the final 16 of the European Tour for the primary time in 2024.
“It is an incredible feeling to win the world primary,” stated Van Barneveld, who will play compatriot Jan van Veen for a spot within the quarterfinals. “Luke is a superb participant. Once you’re world champion, you’ve a goal in your again, however Luke does not deserve that.”
Dirk van Duyvenbode beat defending champion Gerwin Worth in a repeat of final yr’s closing, dropping 5 straight legs from 2-1 down to succeed in the final 16 and bolster his hopes of a return to the World Matchplay.
The second champion in 2023 averaged 102 and gained six of 9 doubles makes an attempt to defeat the Welshman and in addition made six of seven makes an attempt in Friday’s first-round win towards Gabriel Clemens.
“My confidence is not there but, however I really feel like I am getting again to the place I used to be earlier than,” Van Duyvenbode stated. “I really feel decided to indicate those who Dirk isn’t completed. I really feel like I am getting nearer, however I am not performed, I promise you!”
Elsewhere, Michael van Gerwen joined his compatriots within the final 16 on Sunday after launching his bid for a report sixth European Darts Open crown with a 6-4 success towards Dylan Slevin.
German primary Martin Schindler stored his hopes alive at dwelling with a 6-4 win over Karel Sedlacek, whereas Michael Smith accomplished a win over out-of-sorts Rob Kroos to arrange a gathering with Peter Wright, who has gained 5 straight legs in an upset. 3-1 deficit towards Richie Edhouse.
Josh Rock produced an enormous common to launch his bid for a second straight European Tour title with a powerful examine of 160 to finish a 6-3 win over Dimitri Van den Bergh, whereas Owen Bates continued his breakthrough in Leverkusen by recovering from 5 -3 to stun sixth seed Danny Noppert.
What is going to occur subsequent?
The third spherical of the NEO.wager European Darts Open will happen on Sunday afternoon earlier than the event concludes with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and closing in a packed night session on the Ostermann-Enviornment.
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