The England duo of Luke Littler and Luke Humphies have been dumped out of the World Cup of Darts by hosts Germany in a massive surprise. The England duo were huge pre-tournament favourites but were both below par against Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko as they lost 8-4 in what was their first match in Frankfurt. England were also the defending champions after Humphries and Michael Smith proved victorious last year.
Yet they crumbled in front of a partisan atmosphere. The home hopes raced into a 2-0 lead with every dart cheered loudly by the 3,500 spectators present. Littler and Humphries bounced back to level matters, but then blew a winnable position in leg five and failed to recover as they went into the break 5-2 down. Germany then won two more legs immediately after the interval to send the crowd into raptures.
Despite appearing rattled, Littler and Humphries reduced the deficit to 7-4 but hopes of a comeback were then dashed. Left needing 62 for glory, Pietreczko hit a single 10, followed by a 20, and then took out a double 16.
Pre-match, Schindler had insisted that the team of the reigning world champion and Premier League champion were not unbeatable. And afterwards he revelled in backing up his bullish words.
« I was right, » he told Sky Sports. « We believed in ourselves and I think we’ve been putting in a solid performance and obviously the double 16s from Ricardo when it mattered. We are very happy to go through. »
Explaining why his partner threw first in each leg on his tournament debut, Schindler added: « To be honest he said to me, he’s used to being the front guy of the pairs team. I said ‘If you feel well with it, go for it.' »
Germany will now play the winners of Australia and Argentina in the quarter-final tomorrow. Asked about the prospect of sealing the title for his country for the first time ever, Pietreczko was in no doubt.
He said: « It’s unbelievable. You hear the crowd. For sure we can go all the way. We’re here to win. »
Both Littler and Humphries did take the time to congratulate their opponents, but appeared forlorn as they quickly left the stage.
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