Raymond van Barneveld went back several years to dethrone world number one Luke Humphries at the NEO.bet European Open.
The 57-year-old Dutchman took advantage of the reigning world champion's break to secure a 6-4 win in front of a raucous German crowd.
Van Barneveld produced five 180s and defied a barrage of finishes from the top seeds to reach the last 16 of a European Tour event for the first time in 2024.
“It’s an amazing feeling to beat the number one player in the world.” said Van Barneveld, who will play compatriot Gian van Veen in the quarter-finals. “Luke is an amazing player. He has a goal in mind when he becomes world champion, but Luke doesn’t deserve that.”
Dirk van Duijvenbode raised hopes of a return to World Match Play by advancing to his fifth successive round of 16 from a 2-1 deficit, beating reigning champion Gerwyn Price in last year's final.
Van Duijvenbode could still qualify for World Match Play next month.
The 2023 runner-up averaged 102 and made six of his nine double attempts to demolish the Welshman, and also made six of his seven attempts in Friday's first-round win over Gabriel Clemens.
“I’m not confident yet, but I feel like I’m back to where I was before,” Van Duijvenbode said. “I'm determined to show people that Dirk isn't done yet. I feel like I'm getting closer, but I'm not done yet. I promise!”
Elsewhere, Michael van Gerwen advanced to the last 16 on Sunday after opening his bid to win a record sixth European Darts Open with a 6-4 win over Dylan Slevin. I joined my fellow athletes on the river.
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Richard Ashdown questions whether Michael van Gerwen has lost his 'desire and fire' to play darts ahead of the World Cup.
German number one Martin Schindler kept his home hopes alive with a 6-4 win over Karel Sedracek, while Michael Smith made it five wins in a row against Peter Wright with a whitewash win over Rob Kross. 3-1 deficit against Ritchie Edhouse.
Josh Rock has started his bid for a second straight European Tour title with a record-breaking average. Owen Bates continued his breakthrough scoring run for Leverkusen, hitting a brilliant 160 checkout to secure a 6-3 win over Dimitri Van den Bergh. Recovered from 5-3 down to stun sixth seed Danny Noppert.
What happens next?
The third round of the NEO.bet European Darts Open will take place on Sunday afternoon, with the tournament concluding with the quarterfinals, semifinals and final in the evening session at the Ostermann-Arena.
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