World Cup of Darts Upset: England Ousted by Germany in Frankfurt
In a stunning turn of events at the 2025 World Cup of Darts held in Frankfurt, Germany, title contenders Luke Humphries and Luke Littler faced a shocking defeat against the German pair, Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko. The match, played at the Eissporthalle, concluded with an 8-4 second-round loss for the English duo, amidst a spirited home crowd that rallied behind Schindler and Pietreczko.
Both Humphries and Littler, who were recently honored with MBEs during the King’s Birthday celebrations, struggled to find their rhythm, particularly Littler who underperformed in a city where he had previously faced challenges. Their inaccuracy on doubles ultimately cost them, with Littler missing several crucial shots.
Throughout the match, Germany capitalized on missed opportunities, and after a tightly contested start, they surged ahead. Schindler reflected on the victory post-match, stating, “We believed we could win, and that was pivotal. I hit my doubles when it mattered most, and this win is monumental for German darts.”
Match Highlights
- Key Stats: Germany averaged 93.70 with a high checkout of 106, while England lagged at 92.29 with a 36% success rate on doubles.
- The Germans took an early lead and maintained control, winning significant legs and ending the first session with a 5-2 advantage.
- Although Humphries and Littler staged a brief comeback, they ultimately fell short, hitting only 4 successful doubles out of 11 attempts.
Quarter-Finals on the Horizon
Germany’s victory now paves the way for a quarter-final clash against the reigning champions, Australia, who convincingly defeated Argentina 8-1. The Wales team, led by two-time champions Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton, also advanced with an 8-2 victory over the Philippines.
Looking forward, the quarter-finals will feature intense matchups:
- Northern Ireland vs. Republic of Ireland
- Germany vs. Australia
- Wales vs. Hong Kong
- Netherlands vs. Czechia
The action continues with the semi-finals and finals scheduled for Sunday, June 15, promising an exciting conclusion to this prestigious event.
Catch all the games live on Sky Sports as the World Cup of Darts unfolds, showcasing darts at its finest.