German fans take over Ally Pally as Scott Williams left ‘surprised’ in Ricardo Pietreczko defeat
Fans from Germany hijacked Alexandra Palace to watch Ricardo Pietreczko dump out Scott Williams on Saturday. Williams and Pietreczko met in a barnstorming English vs German third round clash at Ally Pally, with high stakes as they looked to secure a place in the last 16. PDCWillams tried to silence the fans but was beaten[/caption] TV commentators estimated that more than 20 per cent of those in attendance for Saturday’s afternoon session were German, creating what almost felt like a partisan atmosphere for Pietreczko. Williams was even met with audible boos during his walk-on. Speaking on Sky Sports, ex-BDO World Darts champion Glen Durrant said: “I think Williams was a little bit surprised [by the boos]. It affected him.” The Englishman, who is known for his brash antics and entertaining showmanship, regularly produced used gestures to try and silence the crowd including putting his finger to his lips when seizing the advantage. But he was unable to silence the travelling support, as Pietreczko sent the crowd into raptures with his display. ‘Pikachu’ saw out a sensational performance to pick up a 4-1 victory over Williams. The German remarked to talkSPORT after the win: “Yeah it’s really cool support from both sides. “I really hope it is the same at the next round too. “Scott was a very difficult player, and his games on stage made it very difficult for me. “But doubling was good for me and I’m happy.” PDCPietrezcko stuttered in the final set, but got over the line in impressive fashion[/caption] Pietreczko raced into an early lead picking up the first set after falling down 2-1 but changing the course of it in unique fashion. He had previously had issues himself with the largely British crowd, having given an X-rated interview at last year’s championships about his difficulties on stage. But this time, it was a 50/50 split but he was roared on by passionate German fans who went through a songbook including chants of ‘Pikachu’ and the national anthem. Williams found himself two sets down and needing somewhat of a resurgence, as last year’s semi-finalist was dazzled by Pietreczko’s sensational doubling. It was a dominant second set from the German who managed to score a shut-out, having increased his average at the time to around 97. The German appeared initially in control, but Williams refused to lie down in the third. PDCPietreczko could now meet Aspinall in the next round[/caption] He came out firing on all cylinders and gave the English crowd something to cheer about, clinching the third set and getting himself back in the match. Things went from bad to worse for Williams who then found himself 3-1 down as Pietreczko took back momentum. Pietreczko tried to prove himself as somewhat of a showman in the final set, attempting a remarkable treble top’s finish. But it backfired and Williams managed to survive taking the set to a 2-2 final decider with Pietreczko needing the final leg to clinch the set. Although he had the darts in hand and sealed it in brilliant fashion, planting a 121 checkout to secure the win as the fans went wild. Williams has unfortunately missed out on a run, where he made it to the semi-final stage last year. It will instead be the rampant German who will progress through to play the winner of Nathan Aspinall’s clash with Andrew Gilding which will play straight after. Tune into talkSPORT 2 for coverage of the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, as we bring you exclusive live commentary from Alexandra Palace. Listen via our web player, app, on DAB, or through your smart speaker.
Fans from Germany hijacked Alexandra Palace to watch Ricardo Pietreczko dump out Scott Williams on Saturday.
Williams and Pietreczko met in a barnstorming English vs German third round clash at Ally Pally, with high stakes as they looked to secure a place in the last 16.
TV commentators estimated that more than 20 per cent of those in attendance for Saturday’s afternoon session were German, creating what almost felt like a partisan atmosphere for Pietreczko.
Williams was even met with audible boos during his walk-on.
Speaking on Sky Sports, ex-BDO World Darts champion Glen Durrant said: “I think Williams was a little bit surprised [by the boos]. It affected him.”
The Englishman, who is known for his brash antics and entertaining showmanship, regularly produced used gestures to try and silence the crowd including putting his finger to his lips when seizing the advantage.
But he was unable to silence the travelling support, as Pietreczko sent the crowd into raptures with his display.
‘Pikachu’ saw out a sensational performance to pick up a 4-1 victory over Williams.
The German remarked to talkSPORT after the win: “Yeah it’s really cool support from both sides.
“I really hope it is the same at the next round too.
“Scott was a very difficult player, and his games on stage made it very difficult for me.
“But doubling was good for me and I’m happy.”
Pietreczko raced into an early lead picking up the first set after falling down 2-1 but changing the course of it in unique fashion.
He had previously had issues himself with the largely British crowd, having given an X-rated interview at last year’s championships about his difficulties on stage.
But this time, it was a 50/50 split but he was roared on by passionate German fans who went through a songbook including chants of ‘Pikachu’ and the national anthem.
Williams found himself two sets down and needing somewhat of a resurgence, as last year’s semi-finalist was dazzled by Pietreczko’s sensational doubling.
It was a dominant second set from the German who managed to score a shut-out, having increased his average at the time to around 97.
The German appeared initially in control, but Williams refused to lie down in the third.
He came out firing on all cylinders and gave the English crowd something to cheer about, clinching the third set and getting himself back in the match.
Things went from bad to worse for Williams who then found himself 3-1 down as Pietreczko took back momentum.
Pietreczko tried to prove himself as somewhat of a showman in the final set, attempting a remarkable treble top’s finish.
But it backfired and Williams managed to survive taking the set to a 2-2 final decider with Pietreczko needing the final leg to clinch the set.
Although he had the darts in hand and sealed it in brilliant fashion, planting a 121 checkout to secure the win as the fans went wild.
Williams has unfortunately missed out on a run, where he made it to the semi-final stage last year.
It will instead be the rampant German who will progress through to play the winner of Nathan Aspinall’s clash with Andrew Gilding which will play straight after.
Tune into talkSPORT 2 for coverage of the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, as we bring you exclusive live commentary from Alexandra Palace. Listen via our web player, app, on DAB, or through your smart speaker.
