Latvian darts duo suffers heartbreak in World Cup quarterfinal
Latvia reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time, but lost 7-8 to reigning champions Northern Ireland in a dramatic match.
Latvian darts players Valters Melderis and Madars Razma experienced a painful defeat in the World Cup quarterfinals on Saturday, losing 7-8 to Northern Ireland. This was the first time Latvia had advanced to the top eight in the prestigious tournament.
The match began with a commanding Latvian performance. In the first leg, Razma finished with an impressive 116-point checkout, hitting double 18 with his last three darts. However, Northern Ireland's Josh Rock leveled in the second leg. Melderis replied by winning the third and fourth legs with double 20 shots, putting Latvia ahead 3-1. He continued his streak in the fifth leg, again hitting double 20 to make it 4-1.
Northern Ireland fought back, hitting two 180s in the sixth and seventh legs to reduce the deficit to 3-4 at the break. After the interval, the champions took control: Daryl Gurney leveled with a double 20, and then he and Rock won four consecutive legs to lead 6-4.
Latvia refused to give up. Razma won the 11th leg, and Melderis tied the match at 7-7 in the 14th leg with another double 20. In the deciding leg, Melderis was just 24 points away, but Rock sealed victory with a 144-point checkout, finishing on double 12.
Latvia averaged 92.78 points per visit, while Northern Ireland averaged 96. The Latvians excelled on doubles, hitting 7 of 9 attempts, compared to 8 of 15 for Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland will face either Germany or the Netherlands in the semifinals, while the other semifinal features England and Scotland.
