Max Hopp Hits Second Nine-Darter of PDC Season
Max Hopp struck a historic nine-darter in Den Bosch before exiting in the third round, yet still secures his record tenth World Championship spot.
Key points
- Max Hopp recorded his second nine-darter of the PDC season in the second round of Players Championship 29.
- Hopp lost his subsequent match against Oskar Lukasiak 0-6 but remains qualified for the Darts World Championship.
- The German darter will compete in the Ally Pally for a record-breaking tenth time in December.
The red dart snaps into the triple twelve with a sound like a dry twig breaking. Max Hopp steps back, the silence in the Den Bosch arena holding its breath. It is the second nine-darter of his PDC season, a feat he says has never happened before in his career. The moment is electric, a perfect leg sealed in the second round against England’s Tom Bissell. Hopp took a deep breath before the final throw, aiming for the double twelve with deliberate precision. The strike lands, and the scoreboard confirms the perfection. "I took an extra moment for the last dart," Hopp told BILD, his voice steady with relief. "I threw it into the double twelve. I am overjoyed."
The celebration is brief. The next round brings a sudden, hard stop. Facing Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak, Hopp’s rhythm shatters. He loses the match 0-6, his average dropping below 77 points. The contrast is stark: from the pinnacle of precision to a crushing defeat within hours. Yet Hopp retains a wry smile, attributing the slump to the weight of congratulations. "I couldn't really build on my game due to all the congratulations," he jokes. "But two wins here in Holland plus that nine-darter, that is simply super."
Record-breaking world championship return
Despite the early exit, the season’s trajectory remains upward. Hopp has secured his qualification for the Darts World Championship. In December, he will step onto the stage at the Ally Pally for the tenth time. This marks a new German record, a milestone that outpaces his compatriots. The pressure of the upcoming title run is already visible, but the nine-darter serves as a tangible proof of form. It is a reminder that even in a short tournament, history can be made in a single, perfect leg.
Menzies claims daily victory
While Hopp’s run ended, the day belonged to Scotland’s Cameron Menzies. The 37-year-old defeated the world number three, Netherlands’ Gian van Veen, to take the Players Championship 29 title. Menzies, known as the ex-partner of Fallon Sherrock, closed out the event with a decisive performance. The result adds another layer to the competitive landscape, showing that top-tier talent remains in contention. For Hopp, the focus now shifts to the final steps before the World Championship, carrying the momentum of a season that has defied previous expectations.
