MICHAEL van Gerwen was made to work hard for his place in the third round of the International Darts Open as he narrowly beat William O’Connor in Riesa.

THE biggest names in darts are preparing to take part in the PDC's first tournament in Japan next week at the Zipang Casino Japan Darts Masters.

GERMANY’S Max Hopp and Thomas Seyler delighted the home crowd in Riesa as they secured wins on the opening day of the 2015 International Darts Open.

MAX HOPP created history with his first nine-dart finish in a PDC competition as he qualified for the International Darts Open in Riesa on Thursday night.

THE draw and schedule of play for the International Darts Open are now available ahead of the PDC European Tour event in Riesa.

THE countdown is on to the fifth PDC European Tour event of 2015, which will see the International Darts Open held in Riesa this weekend.

SCOTT MITCHELL, Martin Adams, Martin Phillips and Geert De Vos have accepted invitations to play in the 2015 SINGHA Beer Grand Slam of Darts.

PICTURES from the final day of the 2015 bwin World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt.

PICTURES from the third day of the 2015 bwin World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt.

PICTURES from the second day of the 2015 bwin World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt.