Darts fans love a showman – and they got two as Danny Noppert and Daryl Gurney met in the second round of the World Matchplay in Blackpool.
It was Noppert who laid down a marker to the rest of the field with an impressive display to blow away two-time semi-finalist Gurney 11-4. Noppert, who won his first TV title at the UK Open in March, landed four ton-plus checkouts and averaged 102.36 in a dominant display.
An entertaining 10th leg saw Noppert hit a ‘blind' 180 in response to Gurney's failed attempt at a ‘blind' 140 earlier in the leg, with Noppert eventually winning the leg to lead 7-3.
READ MORE: Darts ace Dirk van Duijvenbode suffers sponsor malfunction during post-match interview
“He tried the blind 140, that’s a new one,” quipped commentator Rod Studd after Gurney’s attempt.
After the match, Noppert said he only tried his ‘blind shot’ because Gurney had. “That was the chance for me to do it,” he said. “He [Gurney] did it in the game before. I’m confident, that’s why I do that.”
Either way, it certainly went down well with the fans. “Love this s***housery. Daryl Gurney throws a ‘blind' 20 to score a ton, then Danny Noppert responds with a ‘blind' 180,” tweeted one while another added: “Cannot fault it!! Have a bit back Gurney.”
Who will win the World Matchplay? Have your say in the comments section below.
It also went down well with darts pro and YouTuber Matthew Edgar, who posted: I’m a big fan of s***housing and for that reason I know am a Danny Noppert fan,” before adding: “One thing that’s for sure is Danny Noppert does his stretches. The way his neck span round like he was the exorcist was impressive. If he brings out a yoga dvd I’d have to buy a copy.”
In the quarter-finals, Noppert will face countryman Dirk van Duijvenbode, who knocked out Michael Smith in the second round stage.
“I’m in good form at the moment and I enjoy every dart I throw into the board,” said Noppert. “I’m looking at it game by game. I’m thinking about the next one. I’m not thinking about finals.”
READ NEXT:
- Read the latest darts from the Daily Star here
- Michael van Gerwen issues emphatic verdict on quality of World Matchplay darts field
- Double bull checkout from ‘show off’ Peter Wright leaves darts fans gobsmacked
- Gerwyn Price water bottle routine baffles commentators as star goes full Rafa Nadal
- Peter Wright warns darts rivals to get on the practice board ahead of World Matchplay
Source: Read Full Article
