RIcardo Pietreczko has dealt Gian van Veen yet another early exit from the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship with ‘GVV The Giant’ well beaten by a display of prolific punishment on the doubles.
Pietreczko started the match with a 180 and was lucky when Van Veen missed eight darts to take the first leg. The German took advantage by hitting tops and a 15-darter to make it 2-0. The Dutchman had an excellent scoring position but simply missed too many darts. Pikachu’ was sharp on the outside ring and took a 1-0 lead in sets via double 4.
At the beginning of the second set Van Veen hit his first dart on the double. A great 127-darter put ‘The Giant’ into a 1-0 lead. Pietreczko responded immediately with a 17-darter to get back on level terms. The Dutchman stayed cool this time and made it 1-1 in sets after a 73 and a 78 finish.
Pietreczko came out of the second break well and managed to secure the first leg of set 3 via a 122-finish. The German then also threw a 74-finish to extend this lead. Van Veen lagged behind in this set with no chances to hit the doubles. With a 17-darter ‘Pikachu’ finally secured the set.
Van Veen had his back against the wall and could not afford any more mistakes. The Dutchman led 1-0 via double four, but saw the next two legs go to his German opponent. The Giant had one more chance at 77 but was unable to take it. Pietreczko then ended the match with a 74 finish.
The Dutchman has now lost his first match at the World Darts Championship just as he did last year. ‘Pikachu’ will return to the Alexandra Palace after Christmas for his third round match. In it, he will face the winner of the match between Rob Cross and Scott Williams, which will be played later tonight.
Belgium
