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Hopp skips through at WDC
- Updated: December 22, 2016
The first round of the World Darts Championship came to a conclusion on Thursday night with the speed kings making it through along with young German sensation Max Hopp.
Former World Youth Champion Hopp, followed by his army of fans, came of age on the big stage at Alexandra Palace by upsetting Vincent van der Voort 3-1. The 20-year-old landed six maximums, recorded 59 per cent on the doubles and struck a 102 checkout on his way to victory.
Van der Voort grabbed the first set after winning a crucial fourth leg with two maximums before a 46 checkout in two darts, but Hopp showed wonderful composure to hit back with a blizzard of blistering arrows in the second set.
Hopp’s confidence was growing with the 180s flowing from ‘Maximiser’ while Van der Voort crumbled under the pressure.
The youngster rallied through the next two sets to record the biggest win of his career with a 94.59 three-dart average.
“Vincent was the favourite in this game, but I’m so glad I beat him,” Hopp told Sky Sports Darts. “I’m looking from game to game now. I heard the German fans, but this crowd is amazing.”
His reward is a clash against Kim Huybrechts. The Belgian ace lit up …
