Vincent van der Voort went head-to-head with Dutch compatriot, Danny Noppert on Saturday afternoon in Dortmund, with the darting dynamos pushing each other all the way to a deciding 19th leg.
It was the reigning UK Open champion who prevailed 10-9, setting up another all Dutch clash in the quarter finals, with Dirk van Duijvenbode, who himself got the better of world number five James Wade in the second round, 10-7.
Some big names have already tumbled in Dortmund, with the draw opening up slightly, showing us the incredible quality we now have in the sport, with any of the remaining players more than capable of taking the title.
European Darts Championship: Vincent van der Voort vs Danny Noppert
Funnily enough, van der Voort was ahead in all the key categories, bar the most important one, legs won. He certainly played his part in an enthralling tussle on the oche, even if it was defeat in the end.
He averaged 94.45 in comparison to Noppert’s 92.05, with five 180s, one more than his opponent, and a better checkout percentage on the doubles at 36% to 32.3%, however it wasn’t enough to edge out Noppert.
Even the highest checkout of the contest went to van der Voort, who hit an ‘impossible’ bullseye to take out 135, surprising even himself with the shot.
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Vincent van der Voort of Netherlands in action during his Second Round Match against Adam Hunt of England during Day Seven of The William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on December 21, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)
‘Impossible’ bullseye: Vincent van der Voort still hits it
In the second leg, van der Voort held throw thanks to an impressive ton plus checkout, with Noppert on 104 and ready to bounce if his 135 didn’t go.
He went the conventional way, aiming for the bullseye with his first dart, knowing that a 25 would give him a chance at a checkout still, he did indeed hit the outer bull, leaving him on 110 with two darts in hand.
His switch to the top of the board was perfect, leaving him the bull for the leg, however, his first dart stood up to the right, covering the target, you see van der Voort take a step back, say ‘impossible’ and then of course, proceed to hit the bull to win the leg, unreal!
Video: Vincent van der Voort hits ‘impossible’ bullseye in European Darts Championship vs Danny Noppert
It really was an impressive bullseye, although ton plus checkouts finished on the bull are much more frequent nowadays, to hit the bullseye given the position of the opening dart of the visit was special.
The European Darts Championship continues this afternoon on ITV4, and will be broadcast all weekend, with the champion crowned on Sunday night.