After making German darts history, a huge load fell off Gabriel Clemens. The 39-year-old Saarlander blew deeply after his 4-1 victory over Alan Soutar, then he started to celebrate euphorically as the first German quarter-finalist in World Cup history.
"Just awesome," said Clemens in a first reaction to Sport1. On New Year's Day, the "German Giant" will now have the ultimate duel with the Welsh world number one Gerwyn Price in the round of eight - and that on the largest darts stage in the world.
"I've only ever read that I win a round. Now I'm at Ally Pally for the first time since New Year's Eve. I'm quite good with it, I could get used to it. Hotel is booked, we'll be able to sleep somewhere. We'll definitely have one too Drink sparkling wine," said Clemens after his dominant appearance. The weak Soutar, who had previously thrown two seeded pros out of the World Cup in Daryl Gurney and Danny Noppert, never had a real chance in the afternoon.
Soccer star Thomas Müller was thrilled. "Gagamania in
For Darts Germany it will be the biggest match in history. "If I can perform again, I believe that I can also pose a threat to Gerwyn Price," said Clemens, who is waiting for a real holiday at the start of 2023. The semi-finals will take place in the evening of January 2, followed by the eagerly awaited final another day later.
In the course of the tournament so far, Clemens had defeated Irishman William O'Connor (3:0) and Jim Williams from Wales (4:3). Like Soutar, both were unseeded, but the fireman and guide dog trainer from Scotland was considered the biggest hurdle to date. The 44-year-old completed fire service shifts between his matches in London and is also assigned to New Year's Eve. When asked when he sleeps at all, Soutar replied: "In January."
Loud German fans at "Ally Pally"
Loudly cheered on by more than 500 German fans, Clemens started strong. The very first recording brought the maximum score of 180 points - and delighted the colorfully dressed supporters, who, as always, intoned "Oh, how beautiful that is". Clemens got the first set without any problems.
The game was characterized by many mistakes and was not nearly as entertaining and high-class as the third round duel with Williams, but Clemens had his strong moments again this time. When he mastered a finish at 1-1 in the third set over Bullseye, he cheered exuberantly in the direction of his box for girlfriend Lisa. The fourth sentence turned into a thriller, which Clemens decided to win with nerves of steel. After that, the game was decided quickly, even if it got tight again in the fifth set.
Next opponent: Primus Price
After three emotional individual successes at the World Championships, which in terms of sport fell into the "compulsory win" category, Clemens is now faced with the ultimate test. The former rugby professional Price is in shape and has to get the 500,000 pounds (around 566,000 euros) for the title in order to be the prime darts player the day after the World Cup final on January 3 (9 p.m. / Sport1 and DAZN). to stay world. After beating Portugal's José de Sousa 4-1, Price said he had no idea who his quarter-final opponent was. Previously, the former rugby player defeated ex-world champion Raymond van Barneveld 4-0.
