The 2024 Gambrinus Czech Darts Open delivered a thrilling Round of 16 in Prague on Sunday afternoon, as the competition heated up with incredible matches at the PVA EXPO. Fans were treated to high-quality darts, tight finishes, and standout performances, setting the stage for an exciting final day of the tournament.
Last 16 Recap
Zonneveld Scrapes Through in a Nail-Biter
Niels Zonneveld edged past Ricardo Pietreczko in a closely fought contest that ended 6-5. Both players were evenly matched throughout the game, with Zonneveld holding his nerve in the deciding leg to book his place in the quarter-finals. His composure under pressure was the difference, giving him a well-earned victory and keeping his European Championship hopes alive.
Clayton Brushes Aside Michael Smith
Jonny Clayton put in a clinical performance against Michael Smith, defeating the world number two 6-2. ‘The Ferret’ looked sharp from the outset, punishing Smith’s missed opportunities and taking control of the match early on. Clayton’s impressive finishing and steady scoring put him comfortably through to the next round, reminding everyone why he’s one of the most dangerous players on the tour.
Huybrechts Ends Drtil’s Dream Run
Local qualifier Pavel Drtil’s impressive journey came to an end at the hands of Kim Huybrechts, who secured a 6-4 win. Drtil fought hard in front of his home crowd, but the Belgian’s experience and precision finishing made the difference. Huybrechts kept his European Tour hopes alive with this crucial victory, earning his place in the quarter-finals.
Wattimena Downs Barney in a Dutch Clash
Jermaine Wattimena overcame fellow Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld in a tight 6-4 battle. Wattimena’s consistency on the treble 20 and sharp finishing gave him the upper hand, sending the five-time world champion packing. Barney had his moments, but Wattimena held strong, continuing his impressive form in Prague.
Van Gerwen Cruises into the Quarter-Finals
Michael van Gerwen put on a dominant display against Alan Soutar, easing to a 6-2 win. The three-time world champion was in complete control throughout the match, showcasing his scoring power and ruthless finishing. With this win, Van Gerwen moves one step closer to adding another European Tour title to his collection.
Littler Shines Again with Another Statement Win
Luke Littler continued his sensational form with a 6-3 victory over Damon Heta. ‘The Nuke,’ fresh off a record-breaking performance the night before, showed once again why he’s one of the rising stars in darts. Littler’s relentless scoring and confident finishing left Heta with little chance, setting him up for what could be a memorable run in Prague.
Humphries Takes Down Van Veen
Luke Humphries looked sharp as he defeated Gian van Veen 6-2, delivering another polished performance. The world champion’s consistency and control ensured he advanced comfortably to the quarter-finals. Humphries is finding his rhythm at the right time, setting his sights on adding another European Tour title to his name.
De Decker Marches On with a Comfortable Win
Mike De Decker continued his impressive form with a 6-2 win over Martin Schindler. The newly crowned World Grand Prix champion looks determined to maintain his momentum, and his clinical performance against Schindler keeps him firmly in the hunt for European Championship qualification.
With the Round of 16 now complete, the quarter-finals are set to deliver even more drama as the best players in the tournament battle for glory in Prague. As the race for the European Championship qualification reaches its climax, every leg matters and fans are in for a treat with high-stakes darts action.
Quarter-Finals Recap
The quarter-finals of the 2024 Czech Darts Open were packed with excitement, delivering shocks, tight battles, and breathtaking performances. Held at the PVA EXPO in Prague, the race toward the European Championship qualification heated up, but it was Luke Littler’s dominant display against Michael van Gerwen that stole the show. Here’s a recap of all the quarter-final action.
Niels Zonneveld 6-4 Jonny Clayton
Niels Zonneveld continued his fantastic form with an impressive 6-4 victory over Jonny Clayton. Zonneveld has been one of the tournament’s dark horses and his steady, composed play proved too much for Clayton. Despite Clayton’s efforts, Zonneveld kept the pressure on with clutch checkouts at the right moments. The Welshman had a few chances to turn the match around, but Zonneveld held his nerve and earned a well-deserved spot in the semi-finals.
Kim Huybrechts 6-4 Jermaine Wattimena
In a battle of speed and aggression, Kim Huybrechts edged out Jermaine Wattimena 6-4 in a tense encounter. Both players showcased rapid scoring, trading ton-plus finishes throughout the match. However, it was Huybrechts who managed to stay more consistent in the closing legs, taking advantage of Wattimena’s missed doubles. Huybrechts now looks poised to go deep into the tournament, riding on a wave of confidence from his recent performances.
Luke Littler 6-1 Michael van Gerwen
The biggest shock of the tournament came when Luke Littler dismantled three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen in a stunning 6-1 victory. Littler, who had already made headlines with a record-breaking performance earlier in the event, showed no signs of nerves against the Dutch legend.
Both players produced elite-level darts—MVG even averaged over 112—but Littler was simply unstoppable. His scoring power was off the charts, and he finished with an average of 110, proving that his earlier performances were no fluke. Littler was clinical on the doubles, punishing any slight mistake from van Gerwen. This win firmly establishes him as one of the most exciting talents on the tour and sends a clear message: The Nuke is here to stay.
Luke Humphries 6-2 Mike De Decker
Luke Humphries continued his solid run with a 6-2 victory over Mike De Decker, maintaining his quest for a second European Tour title this year. Humphries was sharp on both scoring and finishing, finding the treble bed regularly and keeping De Decker at bay throughout the match. De Decker, who came into the game with momentum after winning the World Grand Prix, struggled to match Humphries’ pace and power. “Cool Hand Luke” is showing why he remains one of the top contenders on the European Tour this season.
Semi Finals Recap
The 2024 Gambrinus Czech Darts Open reached its penultimate stage with two exciting semi-finals that left fans on the edge of their seats. 🎯 The action was intense, as Kim Huybrechts and Luke Humphries emerged victorious to book their places in the final.
In the first semi-final, Kim Huybrechts edged out Niels Zonneveld in a dramatic 7-6 contest. It was a nail-biter from start to finish, with both players trading blows. Zonneveld, who has impressed throughout the tournament, put up a strong fight, but it was Huybrechts’ composure in the deciding leg that secured his place in the final. The Belgian celebrated with his trademark passion, keeping his dreams of lifting the title alive.
The second semi-final saw Luke Humphries overcome teenage sensation Luke Littler 7-4. Littler, fresh off a sensational victory over Michael van Gerwen, couldn’t quite replicate the same magic against Humphries. ‘Cool Hand’ was in control throughout, managing his game with precision and striking at the right moments. Despite Littler’s valiant effort, Humphries’ experience shone through, as he closed out the match comfortably to reach yet another European Tour final.
Final Recap
Luke Humphries Crowned 2024 Czech Darts Open Champion with Dominant Display
Luke Humphries stormed to victory in the 2024 Czech Darts Open final, defeating Kim Huybrechts 8-1 in a one-sided contest. From the outset, ‘Cool Hand’ was in complete control, showcasing brilliant scoring and clinical finishing to overwhelm his Belgian opponent.
Huybrechts, who had fought hard to reach the final, struggled to find his rhythm under the relentless pressure from Humphries. The Englishman broke early and never looked back, cruising to a comfortable win with efficient doubles and high averages.
With this triumph, Humphries secured his second European Tour title of 2024 and sent a clear message to the rest of the field ahead of the European Championship. His composed performance and remarkable consistency continue to elevate him among the sport’s elite.
Congratulations to Luke Humphries – the 2024 Czech Darts Open champion! 🎯🏆
