The Road to the PDC World Cup 2024 in Germany
-Triumph for Walkerbay Dart Club Members-
“In a thrilling journey towards the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Cup 2024 in Germany, members of the Walkerbay Dart Club showcased their prowess and determination at the African Dart Group's events in Cape Town,” said Sonja van Rensburg, Committee Member of the club. ‘Proudly Gansbaai’ - Gansbaai’s Johan Geldenhuys will represent South Africa in the 2024 World Cup of Darts in Eissporthalle, Frankfurt, Germany. The World Cup will take place from 27-30 June 2024.
Johan Geldenhuys, Sonja van Rensburg, and Martin van Staden from Gansbaai's Social Dart Club decided to seize the opportunity to participate in the three events hosted by the African Dart Group in early March 2024. “The first event, ACT1, proved challenging but rewarding for the trio,” Sonja continued. “Johan Geldenhuys, drawing upon his years of experience, emerged as the club's star, winning all his games and securing a spot in the Top 32 with an impressive average of 87.94.” Sonja and Martin, both first timers, also demonstrated their skills, with Martin narrowly missing the Top 32 but putting up a commendable performance. In the Women's Series on March 2, Sonja faced tough competition and finished 6th in her block, winning one game with an average of 42.29.
Sunday saw only Sonja entering the South African Open, with Johan and Martin initially deciding to sit it out. However, a persuasive encounter at Food Lovers Market convinced Johan to join, ultimately leading to a pivotal decision. Sonja faced an early exit in the South African Open, but Johan's journey was spectacular. From winning all his sets to defeating Devon Petersen in the semi-finals, Johan found himself in the final against Simon Adams. The intense final, with Adams initially leading 7-4, witnessed Johan's remarkable comeback, ultimately clinching victory with a final leg average of 80.47.
The nail-biting final leg, where Johan closed with three darts against Adams' 121, secured Johan Geldenhuys a well-deserved win and a ticket to Germany's PDC World Cup 2024. Teammate Cameron Carolissen will join him to represent Team SA in June. For Martin and Sonja, the experience was invaluable. They witnessed firsthand the dedication and skill required to excel at the highest level of darts.
“Johan Geldenhuys, who started playing darts at 9 in 2009, has a rich history in the sport,” Sonja said. “After a brief hiatus, he returned to the scene in Gansbaai in late 2022, fully committing in 2023.” She said Johan’s journey includes notable achievements in the Youth SA Championships, the African Championship, and representing the Western Province first team. Despite facing challenges, Johan's perseverance, supported by his fiancée Jade and their one-year-old daughter Gabriella Rhoda Geldenhuys, has brought him back to the forefront of the darting world. The Walkerbay Dart Club now celebrates a significant victory, looking forward to the PDC World Cup with immense pride and anticipation.
Hardus Botha
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