The 2024 Czech Darts Open is just around the corner, marking the final Euro Tour tournament of the season. In Prague from October 18th to 20th, this exciting event will feature intense competition as players battle for the title and crucial spots in the European Championship.
A Look Back at Past Champions
The Czech Darts Open has a history of delivering thrilling moments. The first edition in 2019 saw Jamie Hughes take the title with a surprise win over Stephen Bunting in the final. After a two-year break due to the pandemic, the tournament returned in 2022 when Luke Humphries secured victory by defeating Rob Cross. Last year, Peter Wright claimed the crown, defeating Dave Chisnall in the final to cement his place as a top contender.
This year’s edition promises more drama as the season draws to a close, and the race for the European Championship heats up.
Key Storylines and Players to Watch
Nathan Aspinall holds the final qualifying spot for the European Championship, but his place isn’t secure yet. He faces a Home Nation Qualifier in the first round, with rising star Luke Littler waiting in the second. If Aspinall stumbles, Callan Rydz and Cameron Menzies could overtake him. However, both Rydz and Menzies must reach at least the third round to have a shot at qualification. They’ll face tough competition, with Rydz taking on Martin Lukeman and Menzies meeting Peter Wright in their opening games.
Meanwhile, Raymond van Barneveld faces a tough challenge. The Dutch legend starts his campaign against Daryl Gurney, with Gerwyn Price waiting in the second round if he progresses. At 57 years old, Van Barneveld will need to dig deep to keep his European Championship hopes alive.
Smith, Van Gerwen, and Humphries Prepare for Key Matches
Michael Smith will open his campaign against Kevin Doets, and if he wins, a clash with Ryan Searle awaits in the round of 32. Smith, a fan favorite, will be looking to build momentum heading into the European Championship.
Michael van Gerwen will play the winner of the match between Krzysztof Ratajski and Madars Razma. The Dutchman, known for his incredible consistency, aims to finish the season strong with another deep run.
Luke Humphries, the 2022 champion, will take on either Ritchie Edhouse or a host nation qualifier. Humphries has been in excellent form this season and will look to reclaim his title in Prague.
The Race for European Championship Qualification
It’s also a crucial weekend for Dimitri van den Bergh. ‘The Dreammaker’ must reach the third round to secure his place in the European Championship. However, his path won’t be easy, with potential matchups against Jonny Clayton and Stephen Bunting.
Newly crowned World Grand Prix champion Mike de Decker will face Brett Claydon in the first round. De Decker has already done enough to virtually secure his European Championship spot, but a win in his opening game would make his qualification certain.
What to Expect in Prague
The Czech Darts Open offers fans an exciting weekend of top-tier darts action. As the last Euro Tour event of the season, it will play a significant role in shaping the European Championship lineup. With several big names fighting for qualification, fans can expect thrilling matches filled with high stakes and standout performances.
Will Peter Wright defend his title? Can Luke Humphries reclaim the crown he won in 2022? Or will an underdog rise to the occasion, as Jamie Hughes did in 2019?
The answers will come soon enough when the action kicks off on October 18th at the Robin Park Leisure Centre in Prague. Stay tuned as the top players battle for glory and a spot in the European Championship!
Draw Czech Darts Open 2024 Draw
(1) Dave Chisnall v Robert Owen/Niels Zonneveld
(16) Ricardo Pietreczko v Martin Lukeman/Callan Rydz
(8) Stephen Bunting v Dimitri Van den Bergh/Jonny Clayton
(9) Ryan Searle v Kevin Doets/Michael Smith
(4) Josh Rock v Joe Cullen/Pavel Drtil
Kim Huybrechts v Luke Woodhouse/Marko Kantele
(5) Gerwyn Price v Daryl Gurney/Raymond van Barneveld
(12) Chris Dobey v Jermaine Wattimena/Patrik Kovacs
(2) Ross Smith v Florian Hempel/Alan Soutar
(15) Michael van Gerwen v Krzysztof Ratajski/Madars Razma
(7) Damon Heta v Brendan Dolan/Gabriel Clemens
(10) Luke Littler v Michal Smejda/Nathan Aspinall
(3) Luke Humphries v Ritchie Edhouse/Jiri Brejcha
(14) Gian van Veen v James Wade/Daniel Markovsky
(6) Danny Noppert v Mike De Decker/Brett Claydon
(11) Martin Schindler v Cameron Menzies/Peter Wright
Schedule Czech Darts Open 2024
Friday, Oct. 18
First round
Afternoon session (from 12 p.m.)
Robert Owen v Niels Zonneveld
Jermaine Wattimena v Patrik Kovacs
Ritchie Edhouse v Jiri Brejcha
Florian Hempel v Alan Soutar
Krzysztof Ratajski v Madars Razma
Brendan Dolan v Gabriel Clemens
Martin Lukeman v Callan Rydz
Joe Cullen v Pavel Drtil
Evening session (from 6 p.m.)
Luke Woodhouse v Marko Kantele
James Wade v Daniel Markovsky
Mike De Decker v Brett Claydon
Michal Smejda v Nathan Aspinall
Dimitri Van den Bergh v Jonny Clayton
Daryl Gurney v Raymond van Barneveld
Cameron Menzies v Peter Wright
Kevin Doets v Michael Smith
Saturday, Oct. 19
Second round
Afternoon session (from 12 p.m.)
Ricardo Pietreczko v Lukeman/Rydz
Damon Heta v Dolan/Clemens
Chris Dobey v Wattimena/Kovacs
Josh Rock v Cullen/Drtil
Rob Cross v Woodhouse/Kantele
Ross Smith v Hempel/Soutar
Danny Noppert v Decker/Claydon
Ryan Searle v Doets/M Smith
Evening session (from 6 p.m.)
Gian van Veen v Wade/Markovsky
Dave Chisnall v Owen/Zonneveld
Gerwyn Price v Gurney/Van Barneveld
Stephen Bunting v Van den Bergh/Clayton
Michael van Gerwen v Ratajski/Razma
Luke Littler v Smejda/Aspinall
Luke Humphries v Edhouse/Brejcha
Martin Schindler v Menzies/Wright
Sunday, Oct. 20
Afternoon session (from 12 p.m.)
Third Round
Evening session (from 6 p.m.)
Quarterfinal
Semifinals
Final
