Just like all the tournaments this weekend at the TOTO Dutch Open Darts, the ladies’ warm-up tournament also saw a record-breaking 89 participants this Thursday. The first darts flew through the Bonte Wever at eleven o’clock, and soon after, the first casualties were revealed. Roos van der Velde and Lerena Rietbergen, who was considered an outsider in the singles tournament, knew before twelve o’clock that they wouldn’t be taking the title. Rietbergen’s draw was particularly unlucky, as Anca Zijlstra was too strong in their head-to-head match (3-2).

Wales vs Netherlands: O’Sullivan defeats everyone
Among the big names, Rhian O’Sullivan showed she was ready for the weekend: in the last 32, the Welsh darts player noted an average of 88.41, and with two more averages above 75, she found herself in the semi-finals. The upper half of the draw had opportunities for surprises, as the most accomplished players were in the lower half. Peggy Mols and Sabrina Dikhoff-Jongenotter took full advantage of this, both making it to the final four.

The semi-finals were not thrilling: both Mols and O’Sullivan won 3-0 against their opponents. The Welsh player seemed to be in a hurry during the final, as she raced to a 3-0 lead with legs in 17, 11, and 16 darts, posting an average above 100. An 18-darter brought her opponent’s average down to 96.97, but it was more than enough for the win. With the first title of the week in her pocket, she will now aim for more silverware in the pairs competition on Friday.

Text: Dartsactueel

Photo: Jos Groen