England's World Cup conquerers dumped out as German pair dismantled after mega ticket rush
Interest rocketed in the German duo's blistering triumph over Luke Humphries and Luke Littler in the last 16 but the dreams were short-lived
Glory hunting German darts fans had their dreams crushed by the brilliance of Northern Irish duo Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney.
Home duo Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko's sensational wins over England and Australia had lifted belief the hosts could claim a famous first victory in the World Cup of Darts.
Interest rocketed in the German duo's outstanding work and blistering triumph over Luke Humphries and Luke Littler in the last 16.
Going onto their next match, the home team battled back from the brink of defeat to sink the Aussies and further inspire belief it could be their time.
As soon as Schindler landed the winning shot against the Down Under duo of Damon Heta and Simon Whitlock on Sunday afternoon, eager punters snapped up tickets to go to the arena and join those who had already booked their spots in Frankfurt hoping to catch the magical moment.
Sky TV commentator Dan Dawson revealed: 'Since Germany hit the winning double this afternoon against Australia, more than 3,000 tickets sold for tonight, another 10 per cent were sold in the time since the quarter-final.
"People have been buying tickets thinking this is going to happen. They might have changed their mind in a short space of time.'
However, their dreams were short-lived as Gurney and Rock dismantled the Germans and buried their chances of title glory.
The Irish pair stormed into a 5-0 lead to make the chances of success disappear and completed an 8-1 triumph to book a spot in the Final.
It was a savage blow to the home supporters who bought their tickets before and after the last-eight win for Schindler and Pietreczko, but it was joy for the victors.
Gurney was sporting towards the punters afterwards and said: 'I know it didn't go the way of Germany, but the atmosphere was absolutely incredible. I'd just like to applaud everybody here in Frankfurt. They were super and so respectful. I am so pleased to be in the Final.'
Gurney played down the move through and added: ' The only thing we have done is qualify for a Final. We have won nothing yet. We have won exactly the same as if you were playing in the first round. We will try our damnedest in the Final. You can't win a pairs competition without playing as pairs.
"He might do all the scoring and I might do all the finishing and if we can do it in the Final, we will give ourselves a good chance. But this man has been phenomenal. I'm privileged to play alongside him and thanks to Josh and the crowd.'
Rock said: 'As I keep saying, playing for your country is a passion and we are here as a team, that's the main thing.'
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