Matthew Dennant stunned by comeback
Bloxwich's Matthew Dennant was stunned by a magnificent comeback as he blew a 5-3 lead on his PDC European Tour debut.
The 25-year-old was heading overseas with the organisation for the first time since winning a Pro Tour card through Qualifying School in January.
'The Scholar' had earned his place at the weekend's European Trophy in Germany after coming through a qualifier in July, writes Craig Birch.
Dennant was within a leg of securing his place in the second round, too, after building up a 5-3 lead against Devon Petersen.
But back came the South African thrower to win the next three legs for a fantastic recovery, going through 6-5 under the best-of-11 format.
Dennant was left kicking himself after missing darts to finish the job in all of the final three legs, one in the ninth and 11th and two in the 10th.
He'd hit two 180s to Petersen's one maximum and averaged 80.51, with 15 attempts at a double. His opponent shaded him with 81.31, with 18 goes at a double.
After their Friday night clash, Petersen lost his second round in the last leg himself on Saturday, 6-5 to Ian White. Michael van Gerwen also beat Mensur Suljovic in Sunday night's final.
Dennant picked up £1,000 just for stepping up to the oche at the RWE Arena in Mulheim, with 48 players sharing out £115,000 in prize money. Van Gerwen netted £25,000.
