Darts fans and commentators were almost sent to sleep by a tortuous game at the European Matchplay in Germany.
Some of the best players in the world, including Michael Smith and Michael van Gerwen, are in Trier for the tournament, which is part of the PDC’s European Tour.
Friday night’s action kicked off with a first round tie between two lesser-known players, German Liam Maendl-Lawrance and Finland’s Marko Kantele. The latter went through 6-2 but only after a tedious affair which lasted 50 long minutes and saw both players average in the low 70s.
The pair played at the most pedestrian pace, drawing howls of derision. Former UK Open champion, now commentator Paul Nicholson quipped on Twitter: “Maendl-Lawrance v Kantele on now here in Trier. Don’t worry, whatever you’re doing alongside watching it, you’ve got time. I am going to see how War and peace starts………and ends.”
READ MORE: Darts star claims '70% of players are alcoholics' and says sport is 'unfair'
Meanwhile, Sky Sports reporter Abigail Davies added: “Could have listened to The Undertones – Teenage Kicks 8 times in the time it's taken Maendl-Lawrance and Kantele to play 2 legs here hahaha.”
Even the official PDC Twitter account couldn't resist a dig at the snail's pace match, posting: “Blink and you won’t miss it!”
What's the worst darts match you have ever seen? Tell us in the comments section
Youngster Maendl-Lawrance, who took an age to step to the oche and then throw, came in for particular criticism among fans.
“Someone have a word with Liam, it should not take 50 minutes to play eight legs of darts lol,” said one.
Another commented: “People gave [Justin] Pipe abuse for being slow but he was always quick to the oche and retrieved quickly. LML is just an absolutely awful watch. A leg shouldn't take 6+ mins on average.”
A third weighed in: “Think I could finish a leg quicker, and half the time it's a miracle if I hit the board.”
A fourth said: “Maendl-Lawrance is SO PAINFUL to watch!!!” And a fifth asked: “How did the commentators stay awake?”
Source: Read Full Article