Jelle Klaasen took top spot in his PDC Home Tour group on Thursday night but had to defend himself against allegations of cheating after controversy surrounded his pivotal victory over Gabriel Clemens.
The 2006 BDO world champion was second favourite to progress on the seventh night of this inaugural groundbreaking tournament behind rising German star Clemens and the pair ensured their encounter would be even more crucial after they both won their opening matches.
The world number 38, playing in Saarwellingen, saw off Ryan Meikle 5-3 before Klaasen, ranked 48, before defeating Northern Ireland's Gavin Carlin 5-2.
After Meikle put himself in contention with a 5-1 triumph over Carlin, Klaasen took pole position by defeating Clemens 5-3 in a see-saw contest.
Both men enjoyed three-leg streaks, Klaasen roaring into a 3-0 lead only for the German to cancel it out with the help of a 132 checkout on the bullseye and a 12-dart break.
Klaasen bounced back to take the next two legs although his victory was debated on social media as some fans posted screenshots to allege that his winning double in the second leg may not have found the bed.
However, the 35-year-old later took to social media himself to defend himself, sharing a picture and a video of the dart nestling in the corner of double 20.
On Thursday night he tweeted: "First of all I would like to say I’m happy to win the group. But im a bit disappointed people would think i cheated on that 70 finish... my points are long and the image is blurry because of the livestream but I can guarantee you it was in the corner of tops!"
And on Friday he added: "I will be changing my setup next time I’m playing 1 extra camera so I can record everything myself and have some extra footage that will be extra sharp haha! maybe a good tip for everyone involved in playing darts online."
This is the angle and I can assure it’s in 👌🏽 pic.twitter.com/4vJ6CNlQLG
— Jelle Klaasen (@JelleK180) April 23, 2020
@JelleK180 @DanDartsDawson @OfficialPDC
— Luke Rutter (@luke_rutter1) April 24, 2020
For anyone thinking jelle klaasen was cheating tonight this is so clear. pic.twitter.com/i98oCCZWTb
Same hole.
— Dan Dawson (@DanDartsDawson) April 23, 2020
Same dart.
Same angle.
Put down your pitchforks.
That's my view anyway. pic.twitter.com/rrslCzGETd
Game shot, apparently. pic.twitter.com/dQhd8uBxm7
— Jay Shaw (@JayShaw180) April 23, 2020
What A Cheat! Jelle Klaasen You Should Be Ashamed!! @OfficialPDC Have A Word!!! #Cheat pic.twitter.com/6JfzjWNJNM
— Billy Brennan (@billybrennan247) April 23, 2020
Klaasen was quickly back up on the oche for his final match against Meikle but despite opening up 3-0 and 4-2 leads, his 23-year-old opponent bounced back for a 5-4 victory.
The Dutchman remained top top on legs difference and he'd stay that after Clemens failed to get the 5-0 scoreline against Carlin that he needed to replace him.
As it turned out, the Gentle Giant lost 5-4 as Carlin ended the night on a high.
Klaasen has endured a difficult few seasons and his UK Open quarter-final last month was the first time he'd gone that far in a major since two semi-final runs in 2016. So perhaps this tournament might be an unconventional route to restore some more of his lost confidence.
KLAASEN WINS!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) April 23, 2020
Gabriel Clemens hits a 180 at the end but it's not enough as Jelle Klaasen pins D7 to seal a 5-3 victory!
UP NEXT: Jelle Klaasen v Ryan Meikle pic.twitter.com/RCIaBo9xY3
Looking forward playing in tonight’s @unibet Home Tour👌🏽😉🎯🐍 @officialpdc @officialunicorndarts @lstyleglobal @hsbetonwarenbv who’s watching?? 🤙🏽 pic.twitter.com/mVHpwzYiJj
— Jelle Klaasen (@JelleK180) April 23, 2020
I will be changing my setup next time I’m playing 🤔 1 extra camera so I can record everything myself and have some extra footage that will be extra sharp haha 👌🏽 maybe a good tip for everyone involved in playing darts online 😉 @OfficialPDC @dartingp
— Jelle Klaasen (@JelleK180) April 24, 2020
Play begins at 1930 BST each night
Best of nine legs
Click here for Sky Bet odds
GROUP 7: Thursday April 23
GROUP STANDINGS
GROUP 8: Friday April 24
Sky Bet odds to top group: Jonny Clayton 5/4, Adam Hunt 5/2, Richard North 7/2, David Pallett 4/1
GROUP STANDINGS