Latvian darters narrowly lose to world champions in World Cup quarterfinal
Madars Razma and Valters Melderis lost 7-8 to defending champions Northern Ireland in the PDC World Cup quarterfinals on Sunday, making history by reaching the last eight for the first time.
Latvia's darts duo came within a whisker of a major upset in Frankfurt on Sunday, losing 7-8 to defending champions Northern Ireland (Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney) in the PDC World Cup quarterfinals. Seeds 14, the Latvians led early but were edged out in a deciding leg.
Razma and Melderis started strongly, capitalizing on their opponents' nerves to take a 4-1 lead. However, Rock fired two 180s to help Northern Ireland close to 3-4 before the break. The defending champions then won three consecutive legs to lead 6-4. Latvia fought back, reducing the deficit to 5-6 and then 6-7. Melderis coolly finished 80 points in the 14th leg to level at 7-7. In the deciding leg, Northern Ireland left 144 points as Latvia sat on 24. Rock nailed a double 12 to seal the win.
Latvia averaged 92.78 per visit with a 77.78% checkout rate; Northern Ireland averaged 96 with a 53.33% checkout rate and two 180s.
Earlier, Latvia advanced from their group with a 4-2 win over Italy and a 3-4 loss to Trinidad & Tobago, progressing on leg difference. In the last 16, they edged France 8-7.
Northern Ireland lost 2-8 to the Netherlands (van Veen and van Gerwen) in the semifinals, while England's Luke Littler and Luke Humphries beat the Netherlands 10-5 in the final. The tournament prize fund is £500,000. Last year Latvia did not advance past the group stage.
