The highly anticipated 2024 Machineseeker European Championship is set to begin this Thursday at the iconic Westfalenhalle in Dortmund, with an electric atmosphere expected as top darts talents converge for the £600,000 event.
The European Championship, a staple in the darts calendar, brings together the top 32 players from the European Tour, competing for one of the most prestigious titles in the sport.
Matches Recap
Ritchie Edhouse 6-1 Gian van Veen
Ritchie Edhouse delivered a commanding performance in the first match of the night, defeating Gian van Veen 6-1. Edhouse set the tone early on, racing into a comfortable lead with consistent scoring and clinical finishing. Van Veen, despite flashes of brilliance, struggled to keep up with Edhouse’s relentless pressure. Edhouse’s superior form on the doubles saw him take control of the match, and his steady scoring ensured that van Veen had few opportunities to mount a comeback. This dominant victory sees Edhouse sail through to the second round with confidence.
Daryl Gurney 6-3 Gerwyn Price
In one of the biggest surprises of the night, Daryl Gurney produced a stunning performance to upset world number one Gerwyn Price 6-3. Gurney, a former major winner, came into the match as the underdog, but his tenacity and experience shone through against Price. The match started with both players trading blows, but it was Gurney who took the initiative in the middle of the contest, stringing together crucial legs to pull away from Price.
Price, known for his fierce competitive nature, tried to rally late in the match, but Gurney’s finishing under pressure was impeccable. Gurney’s ability to hit key doubles at the right moments proved to be the difference, as he sealed a memorable win to progress to the second round, leaving Price to ponder what went wrong in a rare early exit.
Luke Woodhouse 6-1 Ross Smith
Luke Woodhouse stunned Ross Smith with a 6-1 demolition, as Woodhouse’s precision and relentless scoring proved too much for Smith to handle. Smith, who came into the match with high hopes, was unable to find his rhythm, and Woodhouse capitalized on every opportunity.
Woodhouse, known for his steady and composed play, kept the pressure on from the start, hitting key trebles and finishing well on his doubles. Smith, despite his best efforts, couldn’t match Woodhouse’s consistency and found himself falling further behind with each leg. In the end, Woodhouse’s dominant display saw him comfortably through to the next round, where he will look to continue his impressive form.
Stephen Bunting 3-6 Gary Anderson
Gary Anderson rolled back the years with a vintage display to defeat Stephen Bunting 6-3 in a highly anticipated clash between two former major champions. Anderson, a two-time World Champion, looked sharp from the outset, using his trademark smooth throwing style to put Bunting under pressure.
Bunting fought hard, but Anderson’s experience and class shone through, particularly in the key moments of the match. Anderson’s scoring was impressive, and his finishing on the doubles was clinical, leaving Bunting with little room to respond. With this victory, Anderson moves into the second round, where his form suggests he could be a serious contender for the title.
Ryan Searl 6-2 Raymond van Barneveld
Ryan Searle delivered an impressive performance in his 6-2 victory over Raymond van Barneveld at the 2024 Machineseeker European Championship. Searle dominated with a 101.58 average, throwing 11 scores of 100+ and 9 scores of 140+. He also secured a crucial 121 checkout, showcasing his precision and control throughout the match. Searle’s checkout efficiency was a key factor, finishing 6 out of 13 attempts with a solid 46.2% accuracy.
Van Barneveld, despite hitting 4 maximum 180s and holding a respectable 96.62 average, struggled to convert his opportunities. His checkout percentage lagged at 33.3%, hitting only 2 of his 6 checkout attempts. Searle’s consistent scoring power and superior finishing saw him through to the next round, leaving Van Barneveld with a challenging defeat.
Michael Van Gerwen 6-1 Gabriel Clemens
In a stellar display of skill, Michael van Gerwen overpowered Gabriel Clemens with a decisive 6-1 victory in the opening round of the 2024 Machineseeker European Championship. Van Gerwen showcased his exceptional form with an impressive average of 100.01, landing 10 scores of 100 or more and maintaining pressure with 5 scores of 140+. Clemens struggled to keep pace, averaging 92.85 and managing only 5 checkouts, while van Gerwen demonstrated his finishing prowess, achieving a highest checkout of 122 and hitting 6 out of 14 attempts on the doubles.
The match highlighted Van Gerwen’s dominance on stage, as he expertly controlled the tempo, making it clear he is a serious contender for the title. With this victory, Van Gerwen sends a strong message to his rivals, showcasing both his scoring and checkout capabilities. Fans will be eager to see how far the Dutch superstar can go in this tournament as he aims for another European Championship crown!
Martin Schindler 3-6 Dirk van Duijvenbode
In a gripping showdown at the 2024 Machineseeker European Championship, Dirk van Duijvenbode overcame Martin Schindler with a score of 6-3. Both players showcased their skill, with Schindler maintaining a solid average of 101.78 throughout the match. He landed nine scores of 100+ and two 180s, demonstrating his scoring prowess. However, Van Duijvenbode’s consistent finishing made the difference, as he capitalized on opportunities to secure the crucial legs needed for victory.
Despite Schindler’s strong performance, including the highest checkout of 32 and a 42.9% checkout percentage, he struggled to keep pace with Van Duijvenbode’s momentum. The Dutchman matched Schindler’s scoring with an impressive 96.59 average and made six checkouts from 14 attempts, proving his efficiency under pressure. With this win, Van Duijvenbode moves forward in the tournament, leaving Schindler to reflect on a hard-fought battle that highlighted both players’ abilities on the big stage.
Dave Chisnall 0-6 Michael Smith
Michael Smith delivered a flawless performance against Dave Chisnall in a one-sided 6-0 victory in the 2024 Machineseeker European Championship. Smith showed consistency with a three-dart average of 92.02 and landed three ton-plus finishes, including a spectacular 161 checkout. Chisnall struggled to keep up, managing only an 85.47 average and failing to hit any significant checkouts, despite throwing three 180s.
While Smith hit nine 100+ scores and seven 140+ scores, Chisnall couldn’t find his rhythm, going 0/12 on his doubles. The world number two made light work of his opponent with a solid 42.9% checkout percentage, securing his spot in the next round with ease.
Tomorrow Matches
Starting from 18:00 BST
Danny Noppert v Joe Cullen
Chris Dobey v Jonny Clayton
Rob Cross v James Wade
Ricardo Pietreczko v Damon Heta
Peter Wright v Jermaine Wattimena
Luke Littler v Andrew Gilding
Luke Humphries v Nathan Aspinall
Josh Rock v Mike De Decker
Tune In for All the Action!
The 2024 Machineseeker European Championship will be broadcast live on ITV4 in the UK, and through the PDC’s worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay. Fans can also follow the action on PDCTV (excluding subscribers based in the UK, Germany, Austria & Switzerland).
For those looking to stay up-to-date with live scores, match statistics, and results, make sure to follow our Facebook page.
Don’t Miss a Moment
With so much at stake, this year’s European Championship is set to be one of the most exciting editions yet. Be sure to follow all the drama, upsets, and thrilling finishes as the top 32 players in the world battle it out for the prestigious title.
