Gabriel Clemens didn't have much time for cosiness and family at Christmas. Germany's best darts professional was still toiling away in the gym during the three-day World Cup break.
The 39-year-old Saarlander said goodbye on Christmas Day back on the plane to London, where various giant meetings of arrow sports are scheduled in "Ally Pally" from Tuesday. Clemens subordinates everything to the high sporting goals that are being put to the test in the hot phase until January 3rd.
Top duels in "Ally Pally" from Tuesday
The darts world on Tuesday (1.30 p.m. and 8 p.m. / Sport1 and DAZN) is particularly looking forward to the showdown between the Welshman Gerwyn Price and Raymond van Barneveld (Netherlands) and the next appearance of the world champion Peter, who was last disguised as "Grinch". Wright.
But also on Clemens, who has become an integral part of the extended world class and could now move into the World Cup round of 16 for the second time after 2021. The starting position is good, because the next opponent on Tuesday (8.15 p.m.) is not former European champion James Wade, but outsider Jim Williams from Wales.
The "German Giant" says that he doesn't care about the opponent at all. But Clemens' chances of reaching the round of 16 have increased significantly. Above all, the German leader was impressed by the atmosphere in the Alexandra Palace, where the German had already amazed two years ago by beating world champion Wright. "To hear 'Oh, how nice' in Ally Pally is a great thing," said Clemens after his sovereign start at the biggest tournament in the world.
The final phase of the World Cup is always peppered with stars and big duels, but this time it's special. 29 seeded players - more than in any other in the past ten years - mastered their opening hurdles, now there are thrilling clashes in a row. The biggest for the time being is certainly on Tuesday evening (9:30 p.m.) that of “Iceman” Price (world champion 2021) and veteran “Barney” (world champion 2007).
Price favors against van Barneveld
The ex-champions against each other There seems to be a possible semi-final on paper, but now it's coming up in the round of 32. Although Primus Price is the favourite, 55-year-old van Barneveld comes to London in very good shape. Money worries announced by himself and most recently food poisoning could not harm the Dutchman. "I have huge respect for Gerwyn but I believe in myself. I'm playing very well and I can't wait to challenge the world number one," said Barney.
He has had eventful years with private and health problems. Van Barneveld announced his retirement, withdrew the announcement, then actually resigned and yet quickly made a comeback. Phil Taylor's former number one challenger was not seen as strong and solid as in the past few weeks.
Darts expert Elmar Paulke is still rather skeptical about "Barney". "Maybe he'll get a little run and can reach the quarterfinals. The last two years have shown that he doesn't have the consistency. He can fly out in every round," said Paulke of the German Press Agency. A victory over the number one would be absolutely necessary for the quarter-finals entry. If Price loses, he immediately loses his No. 1 status. Bird of paradise Wright, who meets Belgian Kim Huybrechts late Tuesday evening (10:45 p.m.), is ready.
