German darts star Ricardo Pietreczko lost 2-4 to Sweden's Andreas Harrysson in the third round of the World Championship in London. Entering as the favorite, he failed to match last year's success. The remaining German professionals compete on Sunday.
Ricardo Pietreczko, aged 31, entered the match against Andreas Harrysson as the favorite, but the Swede delivered a strong performance to advance to the last 16. The encounter took place on Saturday in London, where Pietreczko struggled early and only claimed the second set with a stunning 158 finish. Unlike his previous round thriller against Dave Chisnall, which he won 3-2, Pietreczko lacked consistency on the triples this time. Harrysson converted his second match dart to seal the victory, knocking out the top German from the previous year, who had reached the last 16 before losing to Nathan Aspinall.
Despite the defeat, Pietreczko pockets 35,000 pounds in prize money for his third-round appearance. Hopes now rest on fellow Germans Martin Schindler, Gabriel Clemens, and Arno Merk. Schindler, Germany's number one, faces England's Ryan Searle at midday. Former semi-finalist Clemens is a clear underdog against world number two Luke Humphries in the evening. Debutant Merk takes on former powerhouse Michael van Gerwen from the Netherlands. All three vie for a last-16 spot on Sunday to keep the German flag flying in the tournament.
