Making a triumphant return to the European Championship for the first time since 2021, Ritchie Edhouse delivered an outstanding performance on Thursday night in Dortmund, averaging an impressive 109.48 as he defeated World Youth Championship finalist Gian van Veen.
Edhouse came out of the gate with remarkable sharpness, opening the match with a 12-darter. Van Veen quickly countered, hitting a 64 checkout to level the score. However, Edhouse regained the momentum, showcasing his skill with another 12-darter and a tidy 56 finish to establish a commanding 4-1 lead.
On his own throw, Van Veen found himself poised at 85 after twelve darts, but he was denied the opportunity to finish as Edhouse seized the sixth leg with his third 12-darter, extending his lead to 5-1. He ultimately closed out the match with a solid 16-darter.
Reflecting on his performance in the post-match press conference, Edhouse expressed his joy at finally delivering a complete game. “For the last three or four weeks, I’ve been scoring well but struggling with my finishing. To come on stage and have everything come together in one match is beyond words,” he said. “After the match, I turned to a few of the security staff and asked, ‘Why haven’t I done this before?’ This is the first time I’ve felt like I had the whole package on stage, and it’s been a great experience.”
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Throughout 2024, Edhouse has elevated his game significantly, making a strong impact on the European Tour circuit. He reached the quarter-finals at both the International Darts Open and the Baltic Sea Darts Open, demonstrating his growing prowess. “If I can maintain my doubles at a certain standard, I truly believe I can win titles. That’s the area I’ve been struggling with, but I’m actively working on it,” he noted, optimistic about his future prospects.
In his quest for a breakthrough performance on a major stage, Edhouse has also drawn inspiration from World Grand Prix winner Mike de Decker. “When I watched that final, I turned to Luke the next day and said, ‘You’re not a machine; I thought you were!’
It gives me confidence because if Mike can do it, why can’t we?” Edhouse reflected, underscoring his determination to rise to the occasion and achieve his own success. With this newfound belief, fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how he progresses in the tournament.
