Darts hammer in Antwerp: “German Giant” knocks out van Gerwen with world-class gala

Darts hammer in Antwerp
“German giant” throws van Gerwen out with world-class gala

08.09.2024, 14:18

Gabriel Clemens delivers an incredible performance against Michael van Gerwen and celebrates his first victory against the Dutch darts icon. On average, the German scores 107.27 points per shot with a double rate of 60 percent.

In recent years, Gabriel Clemens has established himself among the world’s top darts players. Now the “German Giant” has achieved a memorable victory against superstar Michael van Gerwen. On Saturday evening, he beat the top player from the Netherlands for the first time ever in a tournament. In Antwerp, the 41-year-old celebrated a 6:4 victory at the Flanders Darts Trophy. He thus knocked out the co-favorite in the second round.

“In my opinion, Michael is the best player in the world – he is a legend,” said Clemens after the match on Sport1. “I hope that I can show this kind of performance more often, but I just don’t have the words,” said the 2023 World Cup semi-finalist emotionally. He called his victory against MVG “amazing.” His coup against the three-time world champion was anything but lucky. On stage, Clemens presented himself in absolute top form.

On average, the German scored 107.27 points per shot with a double rate of 60 percent. Both are absolutely world-class values. Van Gerwen held his own, staying at double with an average of 99.93 points and 57.1 percent, but behind his opponent’s values. Nevertheless, the match remained close for a long time. It was only after eight legs that Clemens managed to land the decisive punch at 4:4.

When his opponent threw, Clemens hit eight perfect darts into the board. He missed the double 18 with his ninth throw and thus the nine-darter he had hoped for. On his second attempt, Clemens checked the remaining 36 points to take the lead. The German number one did not let victory slip away from him when he threw himself. With his last shot, Clemens checked 104 points and underlined his form again with the high finish. However, there is still a long way to go before he can win the tournament in Belgium. On Sunday afternoon, Clemens must first beat top English player Dave Chisnall in the round of 16. World champion Luke Humphries and child prodigy Luke Littler are also in the mix in Antwerp.