Helen Briem leads in Belgium as Sara Byrne and Lauren Walsh remain in mix
Germany's Helen Briem leads the Hulencourt Women's Open after firing eight-under-par through 36 holes in Belgium.
Briem delivered a solid second round, dropping her only shot of the day on the fifth hole.
Starting the day just one shot off the lead, the composed 19-year-old rolled in five birdies - capped by back-to-back birdies on her final two holes around a sun-soaked Hulencourt.
Just one-shot back is 18-year-old rookie Avani Prashanth, who capped off her round with a closing birdie.
Australia's Kelsey Bennett – yesterday's overnight leader – finished the second round six-under par, to sit in solo third place. Bennett dropped her only shot of the day on the second hole, but followed it up with back-to-back birdies on the 6th and 7th holes to make it a solid round.
England's Meghan MacLaren and Wales' Darcey Harry both fired rounds of five-under par after 36 holes, to sit in a tie for fourth place.
A total of four players are in a share of sixth place on four-under par heading into the weekend. Czech's Klara Davidson Spilkova, Hong Kong's Ginnie Ding, France's Nastasia Nadaud, and Singapore's Shannon Tan, are only a further shot back.
Sara Byrne (68) and Lauren Walsh (69) are in a share of 16th on two under after excellent second rounds.
But Anna Foster (74) and Olivia Mehaffey (71) both finished one shout outside the cut mark on +3.
Canice Screene was a shot further back after a 74.
The third and final round gets underway tomorrow at 8:15am local time.
"Overall, it was pretty solid, even though I made a few mistakes," said Briem. "I recovered well from most of them, made a lot of up-and-downs, so I'm really happy with how I played."
"I hit a lot of drivers - it's a pretty long course. The greens are very firm, which is something I'm not really used to. Usually my wedges spin back up to 10 metres, but here they're rolling forward five to seven metres, so I've had to adjust. But overall, I think I'm handling it pretty well."
The teenager's putting has been a standout strength over the past two weeks: "Last week I putted really well, even with tough greens. My speed control was good, and it's been the same this week. I haven't had a three-putt yet in two rounds, which is pretty good for me."
"I've rolled in some nice birdie putts, and I'm really pleased with where my game is right now - especially my short game and putting."
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RTÉ News
a day ago
- RTÉ News
Lauren Walsh and Sara Byrne remain in striking distance in Belgium
Lauren Walsh and Sara Byrne are both within striking range following the third round of the Hulencourt Women's Open in Belgium. The in-form Walsh, who led at the halfway point of last week's Tenerife Women's Open before dropping off, is in a tie for seventh on six-under par, four shots off the lead held by India's Avani Prashanth. Byrne, meanwhile, sits just outside the top 10 after a third-round 70 moved her to four-under par. Walsh went even better with a 68 despite a slow start. After opening with four pars, the Dubliner bogeyed the par-three fifth to fall back to one-under par, but it would be her only dropped shot of the day with back-to-back birdies at the sixth and seventh and the 11th and 12th being followed by another birdie at the 17th. Byrne temporarily got to five-under after three birdies over her first 12 holes, but a bogey at the 15th saw her drop outside the top 10. It's youngster Prashanth who leads the way following a third-round 69. The 18-year-old drained a huge putt on her last hole – the ninth – to ensue a one-stroke lead over France's Nastasia Nadaud. England's Cara Gainer is back in contention on six-under with the joint lowest round of the day. It was matched by Germany's Celina Sattelkau that took the latter to four-under par following a 66.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
World Cup of Darts 2025 LIVE RESULTS: Action ON NOW as England's Luke Littler and Humphries face Germany
THE World Cup of Darts is well underway in Frankfurt as day three unfolds in this mouthwatering tournament! Defending champions England will finally be in action today, as Belgian pair were BEATEN by the Philippines, as they fought back from 3-0 down to dump Belgium out 4-3. Netherlands duo Danny Nopper and Gian van Veen looked impressive again, as they dismantled Hungary 4-0, in their quest for a fifth star. Start time: From 12pm BST TV channel: Live stream: NOW/Sky Sports app CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Follow our live blog below... By Czech them out Czechia's average just fell below 90 in the end but it was a fabulous display. Malaysia grew into it but just let too many legs go early on. Four 180s for Czechia in the 11 legs too. Copy link Copied By Czechia are through to tomorrow's quarter finals! Malaysia 3-8 Czechia The Czech duo DO get over the line this time and it's a convincing result in the end. Malaysia just left themselves too much to do but Karel Sedlacek's individual display was stunning. His set-up left 32 and his partner comes in to take it out. They'll face Scotland or the Netherlands tomorrow! Copy link Copied By Malaysia 3-7 Czechia This match should be over - but it's just getting a LITTLE edgy.... Another on the board for Malaysia who make a bit of a hash of the 56 remaining when single 8 hit instead of 16. But that's followed by single 16 and then D16 and they've closed the gap to four. Czechia just struggling to get over the line so far.... Copy link Copied By Malaysia 2-7 Czechia Match darts come and go for Czechia and it's Malaysia with the break of throw to get a second leg on the board! Petr Krivka comes to the board needing 60 for the win and misses the BOARD altogether. He hits 20 and just misses D20, leaving Malaysia - who hit a 180 and were the width of the wire away from a 121 checkout - come back for D8 and pin it first time. Copy link Copied By Malaysia 1-7 Czechia Karel Sedlacek is a different class up there at the minute and another terrific check out of 66 secures a break of throw. His partner's 140 set up the 66 when it looked like Malaysia had a grip of the leg in the scoring. Sedlacek left himself one dart at D20 and pinned it. Copy link Copied By Malaysia 1-6 Czechia At the interval and it's a dominant display from Czechia so far, racing into a 6-1 lead. They've had 13 missed darts at a double and STILL averaging 88.91! They're just two legs from the quarter finals! Copy link Copied By De Decker shares Belgium apology Mike De Decker has apologised to fans after Belgium were surprisingly knocked out of the World Cup. He said: "Well done to the Philippines! So sorry to everyone supporting us. "Felt nervous throughout that game and couldn't settle down." Copy link Copied By Luke's sent warning by rivals German duo Ricardo Pietreczko and Martin Schindler have warned England's MBE heroes they won't be treated like royalty in Frankfurt. Schindler said: 'I think the fans are going to play a major role in that. If we are going to play against bigger nations, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Netherlands or whoever, there are so many good names in it right now. "I think this probably is the best World Cup to be in and we are very happy about the support we are getting from the fans.' Pietreczko said: 'I think it was a very funny game against both Lukes, because Luke Littler says never come back to Germany.' Copy link Copied By Aussies fear no team Damon Heta has claimed other players are scared of Australia at the World Cup. He and Simon Whitlock have made a promising start to the tournament, winning both of their matches so far. After beating last year's finalists Austria 4-1, Heta said: 'We didn't feel any pressure — this is just a darts tournament. 'I think the other countries are more scared of us than we are of them.' Copy link Copied By Humphries on MBE "I feel really good about it, it's obviously something that was very unexpected. "When I got the letter, I kind of couldn't believe when I opened it and it's a very proud moment. "My mum and dad are obviously incredibly proud as well. Their son's obviously getting an MBE, which is quite a feat, to be honest. "It usually happens later on in people's careers, but it's happened in mine pretty early. I feel pretty blessed, to be honest, I'm fortunate enough to get one. "My girlfriend and my son will be very, very proud, especially my son. When he grows up and understands what it means, I'm sure he'd be very, very proud." Copy link Copied By Humphries on Littler rivalry "It's something that me and Luke have really done together. "I know he's done it on a much bigger scale, and from a younger generational part of it, but I think him having someone that can compete with him, compete against him and push him all the way, it's made it really exciting for the sport. "I think that's grown so many new fans. Everyone's talking about darts now, and I think that we're two of the pioneering parts of that. "We've changed the face of darts over the last couple of years. It's starting to become a younger man's game. It's nice to be at the forefront of that." Copy link Copied By Littler reflects on MBE award Luke Littler and Luke Humphries have been given MBEs through their services to darts. Still only 18, Littler has shared his thoughts on the career milestone. He said: "I'm very happy for myself. I didn't think I'd ever receive one. "For myself and what I've done, it's unbelievable and for my sport. "I'm happy, my family is happy, and I can't wait to receive it. "This award that we've got, it doesn't come very often. Like we've said, we're the sixth and seventh darts players that have ever received one. "For myself, like we've said, so early in our careers, but what I've done for myself, opened up my own darts academy, seeing the younger generation come up, it's a massive boost for us two coming into the World Cup this weekend." Copy link Copied By Good morning darts fans Some huge drama last night as the group stages came to a close. Belgium were dumped out incredibly despite being 3-0 up and somehow losing their tie against the Philippines. South Africa went through without even PLAYING, all before Argentina won the final match in a decider to sneak through. And Luke Humphries and Luke Littler were last night awarded an MBE for services to darts - before being handed a tricky second round tie against hosts Germany! Here's today's draw: England vs Germany Argentina vs Australia Northern Ireland vs South Africa Switzerland vs Ireland Wales vs Philippines Hong Kong vs Sweden Scotland vs Netherlands Malaysia vs Czechia Copy link Copied By Change to the format We're now looking at longer matches now we're in knockout mode. The first to 4 has now gone - and it's now a first to 8 at this last-16 stage. Remaining format: Second Round - Best of 15 legs Quarter-Finals - Best of 15 legs Semi-Finals - Best of 15 legs Final - Best of 19 legs Copy link Copied By Darts Dollars The remaining 16 teams have already bagged themselves a share of £9,000 for reaching the last-16. Here is the breakdown of the World Cup of Darts prize money below: Winners - £80,000 Runners-up - £50,000 Semi-final losers - £30,000 Quarter-final losers - £20,000 Last 16 losers - £9,000 Second in group - £5,000 Third in group - £4,000 Total - £450,000 Copy link Copied By Darts Dollars The remaining 16 teams have already bagged themselves a share of £9,000 for reaching the last-16. Here is the breakdown of the World Cup of Darts prize money below: Winners - £80,000 Runners-up - £50,000 Semi-final losers - £30,000 Quarter-final losers - £20,000 Last 16 losers - £9,000 Second in group - £5,000 Third in group - £4,000 Total - £450,000 Copy link Copied By 'Won't click' Peter Wright reckons the Luke & Luke combination "won't click" for England. The Scot told BBC Sport Scotland: "Look at the amount of really good England teams that have been paired up and they haven't clicked, like James Wade and Phil Taylor. "Littler is a fantastic player, a worthy world champion and all the other titles he has won, fantastic, but he is going up there playing pairs. "I know he played as a youth for England, but whether he can do it in the seniors, I don't know. They might go out and bash everybody up, but I am thinking they won't click." Copy link Copied By Ready to go A tough opening game handed to England when they face hosts Germany in the second round. But judging by Luke Littler's tweet, he's up for it! Copy link Copied By Humphries reacts to MBE The world number one said: 'I'm extremely honoured and delighted to be receiving an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours for services to darts. 'To be recognised by the King for what I have achieved, and also for my contribution to playing in and promoting the sport that I love, is something that I never thought possible, but I'm very grateful that it has become a reality. 'I have enjoyed the highest of highs in darts in becoming world number one and winning the biggest tournaments that the game has to offer, but to be awarded the MBE will rank alongside any of those achievements. 'I have to give a massive thanks to my fiancée Kayley, and my family, particularly my mum and dad, who have been a constant source of support over the years and helped make me the person that I am today. 'To say that I'm looking forward to visiting Buckingham Palace is an understatement. To receive the MBE there with my family with me is something that I'll cherish for the rest of my life. 'I'll continue to be a good ambassador for darts, and help pave the way for future generations to be involved and succeed in a sport that has given so much to me.' Copy link Copied By Littler reacts to MBE The 18-year-old said: 'This is an amazing and unexpected honour but one which I am very grateful for. 'To receive a recognition like this is something I had never thought would be possible, and it is a proud moment. 'It's unbelievable what I've done for my sport; I'm happy, my family is happy and I can't wait to receive it. 'Congratulations to Luke Humphries on receiving an MBE too – he's a fantastic ambassador for darts, and although he's a rival, I can't wait to partner him in the World Cup this weekend.' Copy link Copied By ICYMI From Alexandra Palace to the Royal Palaces, what an extraordinary ride it has been for Luke Littler. Two years ago, he was just a normal, kebab-eating kid from Warrington who dreamt of one day making money from darts. What has happened since is one of the most sensational stories in British sport. A shock World Championship final run in 2024, turning pro, taking the oche by storm, global popularity, the 2025 world title at just 17 and more than £2million in prize money and sponsorship. Littler has even had novelty kebabs named in his honour. And now he will go, by royal appointment, to collect an MBE as part of the King's Birthday Honours list. Copy link Copied By Tonight's World Cup results in full Sweden 3-4 France Czechia 4-2 India Japan 1-4 Switzerland Ireland 2-4 China Malaysia 4-1 Denmark Hong Kong 4-0 Bahrain Poland 2-4 Norway Belgium 3-4 Philippines Netherlands 4-0 Hungary Germany 4-0 Singapore Austria 1-4 Australia New Zealand 3-4 Argentina Copy link Copied By Tonight's World Cup results in full Sweden 3-4 France Czechia 4-2 India Japan 1-4 Switzerland Ireland 2-4 China Malaysia 4-1 Denmark Hong Kong 4-0 Bahrain Poland 2-4 Norway Belgium 3-4 Philippines Netherlands 4-0 Hungary Germany 4-0 Singapore Austria 1-4 Australia New Zealand 3-4 Argentina Copy link Copied By Draw reaction Good job England and Scotland were both seeded... They've been handed a couple of huge ties against Germany and Netherlands! It's all set up for a sensational day of action tomorrow! Copy link Copied By Draw reaction Good job England and Scotland were both seeded... They've been handed a couple of huge ties against Germany and Netherlands! It's all set up for a sensational day of action tomorrow! Copy link Copied 1 …
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
‘I think his tooth just fell out' – Sky Sports commentator convinced World Cup of Darts star suffered bizarre injury
A WORLD Cup of Darts star celebrated his win so wildly that his TOOTH appeared to fly out of his mouth. Petr Krivka allegedly lost a tooth after Czechia's win over India at the 4 Petr Krivka celebrated wildly after hitting tops at the World Cup of Darts 4 Krivka immediately bent down to pick it up and put it in his pocket before shaking hands with the India duo 4 Krivka didn't hold back when nailing tops to seal a 4-2 victory and send Group J winner's Czechia through to the last-16 knockout rounds. As Krivka turned around and let out a loud roar, he may have been alarmed to see something white and tooth-sized fly out of his mouth and land on the ground. The world No.147 even had to make his opponents wait a moment longer for the customary post-match handshake while he picked it up off the floor and put the object in his pocket. Sky Sports commentator Dan Dawson then delivered one of the most obscure commentary lines of all-time, saying: 'Petr Krivka celebrates so hard I think one of his teeth just fell out of his head! READ MORE DARTS "What a way to mark your passage through to the last 16! Czechia win it, India go out, and now the celebrations can properly begin for the Czech pair." Fans reacted to the hilarious moment on X, with one saying: 'Nothing surprises you in this tournament, it's absolutely mad.' There has been some confusion about whether Krivka really did lose a tooth, or whether it was just a stray piece of chewing gum. Some fans have even looked into the way it bounced to try and get to the bottom of it as the clip went viral on social media. Most read in Darts CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS India were caught up in another viral incident on Friday, after their Chinese Taipei opponents got into a row on stage. Team-mates after the former spurned the chance to tie up the victory with a baffling miscount. 'Pure cinema… darts heritage' - Fans love Chinese Taipei vs India World Cup epic with team-mates 'ready to throw hands' With 38 left, Teng-Lieh hit a single one and then a treble 19 when only a double 19 was required to begin with, before Chinese Taipei won 4-2. Czechia secured their qualification into the second round on Friday, joining Sweden and Switzerland in booking their place. The second round, which begins on Saturday, sees top seeds Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland all enter the competition. All eyes will be on the heavily-fancied England team of 4 A miscount from the Chinese Taipei team caused carnage at the Darts World Cup
