Daryl Gurney put on a brave face despite experiencing a tough loss to darts legend Raymond van Barneveld. After being overwhelmed in a 6-0 defeat at the Czech Darts Open, the two stars shared a heartfelt moment on stage. Van Barneveld, a 57-year-old veteran, demonstrated his mastery with an impressive average of 98 and three maximums, swiftly winning over Gurney. Despite the defeat, Gurney, ranked world No. 26, joined van Barneveld in a stirring rendition of 'Sweet Caroline,' maintaining high spirits and delighting fans at the EXPO Arena in Prague.
Gurney's graciousness led fans to praise his decision to stay on stage. One fan highlighted, "Fair play to Gurney for staying on," while another noted their duet as a commendable moment of sportsmanship. The event also drew attention for the ongoing prowess of five-time world champion van Barneveld, who continues to impress. Barney is set to challenge Gerwyn Price in the next round.
Meanwhile, reigning champion Peter Wright secured a narrow victory over Cameron Menzies, with a close 6-5 win, marked by a 14-dart break of throw in a competitive match. Wright acknowledged his opponent's previous successes but credited the crowd's support in Prague as a motivator.
Additionally, rising darts star Luke Littler has made headlines for his remarkable achievements, including his debut success at the PDC World Championship at just 16 and subsequent victories at PDC events. Littler's impressive journey has led him to achieve a number one ranking in the World Series and a spot on Forbes' 30 Under 30 Europe list. His growing popularity extends beyond the dartboard, with business ventures and sponsorships.
However, personal changes also arrived as Littler publicly separated from girlfriend Eloise Milburn after a ten-month relationship. Elsewhere in Prague, victories were seen for Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker and Nathan Aspinall, with Aspinall set to compete against the young sensation, Luke Littler, in the upcoming round. The Czech Darts Open continues to be a highlight in the darts calendar, with memorable performances and emerging competitive narratives that captivate the audience, underscoring the dynamic nature of the sport.