Netherlands sweep Italy as Japan survives Croatia comeback test

The Netherlands beat Italy 4–0 and Japan recovered to defeat Croatia 4–3 on 12 June 2025, the opening day of the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt. PDC’s report covered 12 group matches with contrasting routes to victory.

A clean start for the Dutch pair

Danny Noppert and debutant Gian van Veen gave Italy no legs. PDC reported an individual average of 104 for Noppert. Host nation Germany also won, beating Portugal 4–2, while Austria defeated Spain 4–1 with a team average above 99.

The individual Dutch figure and Austria’s team figure describe different measures, but both accompanied winning starts.

Japan survives three match-winning threats

Ryusei Azemoto and Tomoya Goto trailed Croatia 1–3. PDC reported that they survived match darts in each of the last three legs before winning 4–3. The narrow final score followed repeated moments in which the match could have ended against them.

Malaysia beat Canada 4–1 for its first World Cup victory, and Hong Kong defeated the USA by the same score. Three Asian teams won, with Japan’s recovery offering a particularly dramatic route.

Group business remained

The opening wins did not themselves settle knockout qualification. PDC’s schedule listed Japan against Switzerland and the Netherlands against Hungary on 13 June, leaving the final group matches ahead.