Michael van Gerwen was stunned by home favourite Ricardo Pietreczko in the German Darts Championship semi-finals.
Pietreczko, whose nickname is Pikachu, pulled off a major upset in Hildesheim on the last leg of the Euro Tour, defeating the world No. 2 in the final four before going on to also topple third seed Peter Wright and claim his maiden PDC ranking title.
He came out on top in a tense 7-6 win over Van Gerwen, producing a ten-dart leg in the decider. His 8-4 victory over Snakebite was much more comprehensive with an incredible checkout percentage of 100% and four 100+ checkouts.
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MvG gave well deserved props to Pietreczko on social media after his loss. He wrote: "Unfortunately not the way I wanted to end this Euro Tour season but fair play to Ricardo making his first Euro Tour Final. Big day for German Darts. All the best in the final."
The German, who also overcame George Killington and Stephen Bunting en route to his triumph, was virtually speechless after producing the performance of his life on home soil against Wright.
What did you make of Pietreczko's performance? Let us know in the comments section.
He said on stage: "I have no words, over the moon. I’m very happy to be in the grand slam. I’ll try my very best to get higher in the world rankings. I know I can beat the best of the world and I try my very best to beat the best of the world."
Wright, meanwhile, reflected: "He beat me up last time I played him. I know how he can play, fantastic player and it's great for darts." Before joking: "I wish you all the best in your next tournament and I hope you don't play as well."
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