CO STOMPE 3 v CARL MERCER 0

After completing a gruelling 26 hour trip to get to Lakeside, Canadian Carl Mercer crashed out after just 33 minutes of darts, losing to popular Dutchman Co Stompe.

The former tram driver who throws darts with a familiar jerking style produced a workmanlike performance including 78 and 80 finishes and narrowly missing a 170 checkout to win through to the next round in front of his adoring “orange army” of fans.

Cool Stompe defied the high temperatures on stage, sporting a smart long-sleeved shirt, instead of the more familiar short-sleeved sports top to take opening leg against the throw after both players nervously missed doubles.

Sixth seed Stompe added the next and completed the first set whitewash on 78, finished with double six.

Battling Mercer – a former freestyle wrestling champion - hit his second 180 to level the second, Stompe sweeping back to move 2-1 ahead, producing an 80 finish on double tops to move into a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Mercer – the oldest player in the field at 56 – won the first leg with the throw in the third set, Stompe levelling on double 20 and then missing bull for spectacular top checkout of 170, but bringing the match to a close on double 10 with his next set of darts.

Stompe said after the match that he was relieved to reach the second round as he had previously struggled in the first round, losing several times at the first hurdle.

“I was not satisfied with my performance but was pleased with my doubles.

“I knew Carl was a slow player and I found it difficult to focus and concentrate on my own game,” said the player from Amsterdam.

 
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