First game, first win: Debutant Arno Merk has no nerves and surprisingly wins the opening game of the Darts World Cup. He then gives an emotional interview – and promises to make London’s nightlife unsafe.
First game, first 180, first win: Germany is off to a perfect start to the Darts World Cup in every respect. Debutant Arno Merk won the opening game in London and is the first player to reach the second round. The 33-year-old from Lower Saxony surprisingly defeated the Belgian veteran Kim Huybrechts 3-1 in the evening and could now get a duel with former world champion Peter Wright from Scotland. Wright still has to win his first match against the Dutch Noa-Lynn van Leuven.
“I’m super happy. The plan worked, just be there, be emotional,” Merk told DAZN after the game. Merk had qualified through the Super League and was completely fearless at his premiere at Alexandra Palace. After all, a former World Cup quarter-finalist and former world-class professional was waiting for Merk in Huybrechts.
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After winning the first set, he joyfully jumped across the largest darts stage in the world. He even won the second set 3-0. Merk then missed a few chances to win 3-0 in the sets. The Belgian used all his experience and saved himself to make it 1-2. “It made my pants crackle for a moment,” joked Merk. But then the German, who also threw the first 180 of the tournament, won the fourth set, checking on double eight to win.
Einlauf zu „Sara because I love you“
During the season Merk had an average of 83 points, in the Ally Pally it was 90 points. An excellent game from the German. The reality TV participant (Sport1 show Darts Party) said about his first entry into the Ally Pally to the song “Sara perche ti amo” by Ricchi e Poveri: “That was crazy. I didn’t even know what to do with myself. It really made a mess. Today another pub is being torn apart.”
After the debutant, seven other Germans will take part in the World Cup (until January 3rd). The greatest hopes rest on German number one Martin Schindler. Behind them, Ricardo Pietreczko and Niko Springer also come to the British capital in good form.
“Against a two-time world champion, a crowd favorite: That would be a special match. If I play like I did today, I can get something out of it,” said Merk about a possible game against the Scot Wright. Merk will now travel home, but had already booked the return flight to London before his first round match. A wise decision.
luwi mit dpa
