For the second year in a row, Madar Razma successfully ensured a post-Christmas return to PDC World Darts Championships. The Latvian number one fought from set to defeat Dirk van Duijvenbode at Alexandra Palace on Sunday afternoon, hosting a third round fixture against Stephen Bunting.
Things weren’t looking good for Razma at first. Van Duijvenbode started incredibly well, winning the first five games and averaging around 112. However, when the Dutchman began to lose strength, Razma took advantage of the opportunities given to him and finished sets 2, 3 and 4 unanswered, sealing the victory. Victory 3-1.
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“I’m thrilled! I didn’t play my best match, but I’m glad I won, yes,” he beams Razma assessed his victory while talking to the media at the post-match press conference. “It was a bit like the first match where Christian Kist won the first set, hit nine and was very excited, but when I saw his body language after the first set I said to myself, ‘this is your chance.’ “.”
“I think he lost control of the game. He caught fire in the first set, it was a one-sided match,” continues the Latvian, assessing the competition. But I came back, played better and better and finally won.
Razma in action
Always considered one of the more calculating players, Razma has been accused of unfair play by opponents in the past due to his slow pace of play. In this match too, Razma manipulated the tempo of the proceedings, ultimately throwing Van Duijvenbode off his rhythm and allowing him to get back into the game.
“The first set was too fast for me. After the first set, I sent a message to my friends that I would play a little slower because it wasn’t my pace and it wasn’t how I felt,” he explains. “I can play slow and fast games, but today that wasn’t my feeling. I felt like I had to play slower. Dirk loves to play fast, with loud emotions and all, so after the first set it was good to rest because it allowed me to find my feelings again.”
As mentioned, Stephen Bunting’s difficult task now awaits the Latvian in the third round after Christmas. “Stephen, he’s one of my best friends on tour and yes, it should be a good match!” Razma’s announcement.
