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London (AP) - The dream of Gabriel Clemens as the first German darts world champion has burst in a dramatic way.
Just two days after his famous coup against champion Peter Wright, the 37-year-old lost 3: 4 to Krzysztof Ratajski in the round of 16 on Tuesday evening.
Clemens awarded numerous match darts in the decision leg.
The Pole is Clemens' feared opponent and had previously won all five clashes.
The "German Giant" could not confirm its excellent performance from the 4-3 victory over Wright.
As on Sunday evening, little things were decided in London this time - the game turned into a drama.
Clemens was the first German professional ever to reach the last sixteen at the world's largest tournament.
His victories over compatriot Nico Kurz (3: 1) and Wright had raised the hope of many fans that the Saarlander could make it into the quarter-finals and thus into the new year.
But there is now Ratajski playing, who has to deal with the winner of the game Stephen Bunting and Ryan Searle (both England) on New Years (from 1 p.m. / Sport1 and DAZN).
The favorites Wright and ex-European champion James Wade have already been eliminated in this quarter.
Clemens started enthusiastically in his third appearance in front of empty ranks due to corona.
“With me there is no excitement.
I'm full of anticipation - I'm looking forward to playing at Ally Pally again this year, ”he said before the game at Sport1.
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But even without the World Cup quarter-finals, a very strong and successful year comes to an end for Clemens: He defeated top players such as Wright, Rob Cross or Nathan Aspinall (both England) in important tournaments, in the ranking he passed Max Hopp and is now the Number one among the German darts professionals.
With his round of 16 at the World Cup, Clemens could also make it into the top 30 in the world after the tournament.
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