Darts World Cup: Pietreczko’s criticism after the victory – “I don’t think the PDC is okay” | EUROtoday

Ricardo Pietreczko nonetheless has so much to do at this Darts World Championship. Already final yr as the most effective German within the spherical of 16 and after his first spherical win in opposition to Jose De Sousa with a 6-2 file at Alexandra Palace, so much appears attainable for the 31-year-old on the 2026 World Cup.

“I’m here to win this tournament. Why not this year?” he says. Self-confidence that’s wanted to realize nice issues. Self-confidence, which he additionally reveals on the subject of different matters – akin to the sport plan.

“I don’t think it’s okay that the PDC can choose freely,” criticized the German quantity two after their opening victory. He dislikes the extraordinarily completely different lengths of breaks between the primary and second rounds.

Compatriot Arno Merk, for instance, performed the opening match of this World Cup on December eleventh in opposition to Kim Huybrechts, however won’t be referred to as upon once more till December twenty third. An enormous distinction to Pietreczko’s timing. At quantity 33 on the earth rankings there are solely 4. “Arno has twelve days between his matches. I have to play again on the 20th. That’s not quite right.”

It’s not usually that gamers criticize the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). If something, that is reserved for high stars with robust opinions like Michael van Gerwen or Gerwyn Price.

Pietreczko needs the Darts World Cup in Germany

But Pietreczko does not cover his opinion, he by no means has. He already proved in 2024 that he’s not afraid of massive names when he reprimanded Luke Littler for his conduct on stage and on the board. As a outcome, he polarizes and receives applause and shaking of the pinnacle.

He additionally has a suggestion for modifications on the subject of the World Cup venue. Next yr’s transfer from the West Hall to the a lot bigger Great Hall of Alexandra Palace “I think is urgently necessary. The tickets went away very quickly again this year.” Not even all PDC-TV subscribers may have made use of their proper to pre-purchase, Pietreczko accurately identified.

However, he would favor a rolling system. “The World Cup should perhaps not always take place in the Ally Pally, but in the country of the reigning world champion. I would have no problem with that. Then perhaps we would have it in Germany at some point.” Ideally with him as defending champion.

If Lutz Wöckener Not precisely attempting out any sport on his personal, he writes about darts and sports activities politics, however typically additionally about offbeat issues like soccer.

Darts World Cup 2026, outcomes, 1st spherical

• Alan Soutar (SCO) – Teemu Harju (FIN) 3:2 nV (3:0, 3:0, 2:3, 2:3, 5:4)
• Nick Kenny (WAL) – Justin Hood (ENG) 0:3 (0:3, 2:3, 2:3)
• Scott Williams (ENG) – Paolo Nebrida (PHI) 3:0 (3:1, 3:0, 3:1)
• Chris Dobey (ENG/8) – Xiaochen Zong (CHN) 3:1 (3:0, 1:3, 3:1, 3:1)
• Ricardo Pietreczko (D) – Jose De Sousa (POR) 3:1 (3:2, 3:2, 2:3, 3:1)
• Danny Noppert (NED/6) – Jurjen van der Velde (NED) 3:1 (3:2, 1:3, 3:2, 3:0)
• Gerwyn Price (Wall/9) – Adam Gaulas (CZE) 3: 0 (3: 0, 3: 2, 3: 0)
• Niko Springer (D) – Joe Comito (AUS) 1:3 (2:3, 3:1, 0:3, 2:3)