Darts: Michael van Gerwen experiences humiliation in Munich
Michael van Gerwen experienced humiliation in Munich
Luke Humphries won the German Darts Grand Prix in Munich. On his way to the title, he outclassed Michael van Gerwen, among others. Martin Schindler, who set a German record, also caused a stir. Max Hopp managed a respectable success.
NAfter his record game in the round of 16 of the German Darts Grand Prix against Ryan Searle, Martin Schindler in Munich seemed at least able to reach the semi-finals, but after Gabriel Clemens the German number two also failed because of the Englishman Martin Lukeman.
Schindler had played the highest average of a German in the history of the European Tour in the 6-1 win against Searle, but suffered a phase of weakness in the following 4-6 win against “Smash”, which he was unable to compensate for despite a furious final sprint.
After the 1:0 in 15 darts, he immediately conceded the equalizer and the first break and was lucky at the score of 1:3 not to have to accept the renewed loss of serve. After a few missed chances by his opponent, he reduced the lead to 2:3, but had no chance against the outsider who played unleashed in the following two legs.
Schindler was only able to improve after the 2:5, broke in eleven darts to 3:5 and reduced again in eleven darts to 4:5. The 3,000 spectators in the Zenith Hall cheered on Strausberger frenetically, but Lukeman used his throw to make the victory perfect in 14 darts.
Another weekend for Schindler, who with 5,000 pounds in prize money should have made the final qualifications for the World Matchplay and the World Grand Prix perfect and is only 1,750 pounds away from entering the top 16 in the Pro Tour ranking. With his victory, “The Wall” also jumps into the top 50 in the Order of Merit.
In addition to Schindler, Max Hopp, a second German, was able to set an exclamation mark. The 25-year-old, who has been in a form crisis for a long time, reached the round of 16 with victories over Scotsman Alan Soutar (6: 4) and Dimitri van den Bergh from Belgium (6: 3), but had no chance there in the 1: 6 against Jonny Clayton .
In the race for a tour ticket, which at the end of the season is reserved for only the top 64 players, the Hessian made up ground and was able to narrow the gap on the occupied place by 3,000 pounds to 16,750 pounds.
Clemens and Schindler conqueror Lukeman makes it to the final on Easter Monday. In the final, the Englishman met his compatriot Luke Humphries, who had shown himself to be in excellent shape in the Bavarian state capital.
The highlight was his semi-final against Michael van Gerwen, who had won all three of the tournament so far in 2017, 2018 and 2019. After 18 wins in a row, “Mighty Mike” was faced with his first defeat – and what a defeat.
“Colol Hand Luke” played an average of 108 and whitewashed the Dutchman. 7: 0 – A debacle for van Gerwen, who had recently caused a sensation on the Pro Tour and in the Premier League.
In the final, Humphries proved a class difference again and defeated Lukeman Locker 8-2. “I’m completely blown away. Really, that means a lot to me. I dedicate the success to my friend, who has her birthday today,” said Humphries, who rightly once again emphasized the atmospheric and pleasantly fair audience: “The spectators here were fantastic and very respectful this weekend. I am already looking forward to next year.”
German Darts Grand Prix Results
round of 16
Martin Lukeman (ENG)-Keane Barry (IRL) 6-5
Martin Schindler (GER) – Ryan Searle (ENG) 6:1
Damon Heta (AUS) – Scott Waites (ENG) 6-3
Jonny Clayton (WAL) – Max Hopp (GER) 6:1
Keegan Brown (ENG)-Madars Razma (LAT) 6-4
Michael van Gerwen (NED) – Rob Cross (ENG) 6:3
Luke Humphries (ENG)-Michael Smith (ENG) 6-3
Wesley Plaisier (NED) – Dirk van Duijvenbode (NED) 6:5
Quarterfinals
Martin Lukeman (ENG) – Martin Schindler (GER) 6:4
Damon Heta (AUS) – Jonny Clayton (WAL) 6-5
Michael van Gerwen (NED) – Keegan Brown (ENG) 6:2
Luke Humphries (ENG)-Wesley Plaisier (NED) 6-5
semifinals
Martin Lukeman (ENG) – Damon Heta (AUS) 7:5
Luke Humphries (ENG) – Michael van Gerwen (NED) 7:0
final
Luke Humphries (ENG)-Martin Lukeman (ENG) 8-2