Raymond van Barneveld to bring ‘A-game’ after securing Michael van Gerwen clash
Raymond van Barneveld won through to the second round of the Interwetten European Darts Open with victory over the Czech qualifier Filip Sebesta in Leverkusen.
The Dutch veteran will now take on Michael van Gerwen after winning 6-3 in a fine matchup against Sebesta, who averaged over 98 and converted all three of his attempts at double, which included a 121 finish in the penultimate leg.
It was one of 16 first-round ties on Friday at the Ostermann Arena.
BARNEY GOES THROUGH!
Raymond van Barneveld gets the job done against an impressive Filip Sebesta to set up a mouth-watering round two clash against Michael van Gerwen.
🔜 Florian Hempel v James Wade📺 https://t.co/YyBPPwpkzG | #ET2 pic.twitter.com/xtb1bXNjvg
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 24, 2023
Van Barneveld will take on former World Cup partner Van Gerwen on Saturday evening.
“Me and Michael have played each other so many times and I cannot wait to play him,” said Van Barneveld. “Michael van Gerwen v Raymond van Barneveld – it’s an A-game. It’s like Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund, it’s like Ajax v Feyenoord, Manchester United v Liverpool.”
Elsewhere, Ian White came up with a thrilling fightback to stun the German Gabriel Clemens.
RECAP!
Tonight's action in Leverkusen saw Ian White pull off a remarkable comeback, while Raymond van Barneveld set up a meeting with Michael van Gerwen.
The European Darts Open continues from 1300 CET on Saturday as the 16 seeded players begin their campaigns.#ET2 pic.twitter.com/czK4Q1OpQc
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 24, 2023
The home-crowd favourite had held a commanding lead of 4-1 with a 110 average, but have up two match darts in leg eight to hand White victory by four legs.
“I don’t know how I pulled that back,” said White. “The crowd were brilliant. They love Gabriel and I understand that, but I just kept going.
“I’m focused. I’m playing my game and that’s what matters. I’d love to go on and win this.”