Nathan Aspinall made light work of Ricardo Pietreczko to cruise into the quarter-finals of the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship. The Englishman, seeded 12th in the tournament, demonstrated composure and precision to deliver a dominant 4-0 victory, securing his place in the last eight at Alexandra Palace. Aspinall’s clinical performance left little room for Pietreczko, who had struggled throughout the match, with his average hovering in the low 90s, which proved more than enough to take him to the next stage.
Aspinall’s win was a complete contrast to the match that had seen his German opponent, Pietreczko, impress in his previous round with a 4-1 victory over Scott Williams. However, Pietreczko’s first appearance in the last 16 of the World Championship was a different story, as his average dropped to just 78.46 against a solid Aspinall. The Englishman capitalized on Pietreczko’s struggles and produced a performance worthy of a top seed, winning 4-0 and conceding only two legs along the way.
Aspinall’s Dominance: An Unflappable Performance
Throughout the match, Aspinall kept his composure, never allowing his opponent to get into any rhythm. His steady performance was reflected in his average of 94.28, which was more than sufficient to defeat Pietreczko in a straightforward affair. The atmosphere at Alexandra Palace was electric, with the home crowd behind Aspinall every step of the way. The Englishman’s joy was palpable as he played in front of such a lively audience, remarking that he had never heard an atmosphere quite like it, even in Premier League arenas.
pi”I feel for Ricardo,” Aspinall said in his post-match interview with Sky Sports. “He didn’t play the game that he set out to play. But, wow, I’ve played in Premier League arenas, and I’ve never heard an atmosphere like this. It’s amazing to feel this energy again.”
Aspinall’s confidence was evident throughout the match, and despite Pietreczko’s efforts, the Englishman maintained control from start to finish. His performance in the fourth round was textbook precision, and he will now look to carry this momentum into the quarter-finals, where he will face the winner of the New Year’s Day clash between Luke Littler and Ryan Joyce.
Callan Rydz’s Topsy-Turvy Win: A Clutch Performance
Meanwhile, Callan Rydz had a more challenging route to the quarter-finals but came out on top in an intense, topsy-turvy encounter against qualifier Robert Owen. The 26-year-old from Newcastle was not at his brilliant best early in the match but responded with a stellar comeback after falling behind 2-0 in sets.
Rydz, who had impressed in his previous match with a stunning 4-0 victory over Dimitri van den Bergh, struggled to replicate that level of performance initially. Owen, a delivery driver who had to swap shifts to make the match, seized his opportunity and took a commanding lead. Owen’s composure and skill were evident as he built his advantage, but Rydz is known for his resilience, and he was determined not to let the match slip away.
Despite his earlier struggles, the crowd’s support played a pivotal role in Rydz’s resurgence. As his rhythm returned, Rydz found his scoring range and leveled the match at 2-2. He quickly went on to win the next set and moved ahead 3-2, only for Owen to fight back and force a deciding set. However, Rydz, who hit a remarkable 12 180s during the match, held his nerve in the final set, taking it 3-1 to seal the win and secure his spot in the quarter-finals for the second time in his career.
“I’m happy to be through, but I wasn’t at my best in the beginning,” Rydz admitted after the match. “Robert made me fight for it, but I’m glad to have come through and now I’ve got to push on. The crowd really helped me get back into the game. They were amazing.”
Rydz will now face either Michael van Gerwen or Jeffrey de Graaf in the next round, with both players scheduled to face off later in the tournament. Rydz’s determination and ability to perform under pressure will make him a formidable opponent for anyone in the quarter-finals.
Chris Dobey’s Dramatic Win Over Kevin Doets
In another thrilling encounter, Chris Dobey secured his spot in the quarter-finals with a dramatic 4-3 victory over Dutchman Kevin Doets. Dobey, the 15th seed, had to battle back after falling behind 3-2 in sets, but his resilience shone through as he won the deciding set 3-1 to advance.
Doets, who had caused an upset by knocking out second seed Michael Smith and 31st seed Krzysztof Ratajski in previous rounds, had looked set to continue his run after taking the lead against Dobey. However, Doets was unable to finish the job this time, and Dobey, who had led earlier in the match, dug deep to level the score and clinch the deciding set.
“I was under pressure, and I knew Kevin was playing well, but I just kept telling myself to keep going,” Dobey said after the match. “It wasn’t easy, but I’m happy to get through to the next round.”
Dobey will now face Wales’ Gerwyn Price in the quarter-finals. Price, known for his fiery temperament and high-level play, will provide a stern test for Dobey, who will need to maintain his composure to progress further.
A Look Ahead: Quarter-Final Matchups
As the PDC World Darts Championship progresses toward its final stages, the quarter-finals are set to be packed with excitement. Aspinall, who has looked sharp throughout the tournament, will be one of the favorites to lift the title. His consistent performances, highlighted by his recent 4-0 win over Pietreczko, have shown that he is in peak form.
Meanwhile, Rydz’s comeback against Owen was a testament to his resilience and ability to perform when it matters most. His match against either van Gerwen or de Graaf promises to be an exciting clash of styles, as both opponents are known for their power scoring and match-winning ability.
Dobey’s victory over Doets sets up a tantalizing clash with Gerwyn Price. The Welshman, a three-time World Champion, will be a tough opponent, but Dobey’s confidence is growing with each match.
Nathan Aspinall’s effortless performance against Ricardo Pietreczko showed his class, and he remains a strong contender for the PDC World Darts Championship title. His composure and clinical finishing make him one of the most consistent players in the tournament, and he will be looking to continue his journey toward the final.
For Callan Rydz, his comeback victory over Robert Owen will serve as a boost to his confidence as he heads into the quarter-finals. The Newcastle native has proven he can handle the pressure of big moments, and his resilience will be key as he faces some of the best players in the world.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Aspinall and Rydz to see if they can continue their impressive runs and make a deep push toward the championship. The quarter-finals promise to be a thrilling encounter, with plenty of drama and excitement as the race for the PDC World Darts Championship intensifies.
