Dirk van Duijvenbode has skillfully reached the second round of the World Matchplay on Sunday. The Dutchman was too strong for Rob Cross with 10-8. Later in the day, Jermaine Wattimena also won 10-8 against Peter Wright.
The 33-year-old Van Duijvenbode had a tough time against the one-year-older Englishman. The number 32 of the PDC Order of Merit was at a 6-2 deficit, but then fought back strongly to 7-7.
At that score, Van Duijvenbode made the difference with a phenomenal 137-finish. He broke Cross (PDC-11) with it and did not relinquish that break lead. Van Duijvenbode recorded a neat average of 95.33, although Cross (96.10) scored slightly better.
In the next round, Van Duijvenbode will face Andrew Gilding, who was too strong for Damon Heta earlier in the day with 12-10.
Wattimena beats Wright in exciting match
Wattimena had the initiative against Wright for almost the entire match. The Westervoorter took a 5-1 lead, but saw Wright come back to 8-8. Wattimena did not let that throw him off, broke the Scot again and pulled the match towards him.
Wattimena threw an average of 91.81 per three darts. Wright scored an average of 93.10. In his next match, Wattimena will meet Luke Littler or Ryan Searle.
On Saturday, Gian van Veen already caused a huge upset by eliminating titleholder Luke Humphries. Wessel Nijman, in turn, surprised Nathan Aspinall, the number seven in the world.
In total, seven Dutchmen are participating in the World Matchplay. On Monday, the clash between Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld is on the program.
