'I've been in these situations, be careful' - Dirk van Duijvenbode reveals he felt under pressure after almost blowing 4-0 lead in Czech Darts Open

In what looked like a routine match, Dirk van Duijvenbode was almost pegged back by a rejuvenated Cor Dekker, but managed to hold on and progress to the next round in a 6-4 victory.

It was a sublime showing from the Dutchman, averaging over 101 and achieving a checkout rate of 55% in the Czech Darts Open, which included three ton+ checkouts.

The Dutchman started the match like a rocket, streaking into a 4-0 lead over his hapless opponent. After clinching an early break of throw, he completed a 15 darter with an eye-catching 126 checkout, finding 54 with his first dart before pinning two darts in the double 18 segment to amaze fans in a seldom-seen route. Two legs later, he added a point to his highest checkout of the match by sinking his dart into the bull for a 127 checkout, in a more routine way, to go 4-0.

It was looking like the pair would not be on stage for long, but the tall Norwegian finally found some form and luck, punishing the Dutchman after missing multiple doubles to nick three legs on the bounce. He was in line for a key opportunity to break the throw when sat on 78, but van Duijvenbode produced his third ton+ checkout of the match, taking out 106 on double 16 to regain control and stay in command of the tie, letting out a big roar of passion to show his ominous intentions.

He would seal the match with a much more tame 52 checkout on double eight to conclude what had looked like a walkover at the start of the match, before Dekker mounted a fight.

After the victory, van Duijvenbode revealed he needed to 'be careful' after taking a luxurious 4-0 lead, not wanting to squander his advantage like many have before. "I was 4-0 up and I know Cor is way better than he did," he said. "So I was a bit confused, but I was like, 'I don't care'. And then I got a little bit sloppy scoring wise, towards the setup. And I missed one dart I think for 5-0. And I saw 4-0 up and I saw his 56, I was like, 'yeah, yeah. I've been in these situations, be careful' because I've seen this going to 4-0 many times.

"Well, there was pressure. I was starting to, there was real pressure. I got nervous and I was like, no, this is not going to happen. I'm not going to check for being 4-0 up with a game I should win 6-0 and then be 4-0. And in to start for 5-4 up."

The numbers The Titan produced in this matchup should be plenty enough to beat most players, but there is a very high chance that it might not even make a dent against his next opponent, Luke Humphries. The world number one came out on top in last year's edition, averaging 105 across the whole tournament. This included a semi-final victory over world Champion Luke Littler, who averaged over 108. Menacing signs ahead for the world number 32.