DAY 13 AT ALLY PALLY: STANDARDS APPLIED UNDER PRESSURE
Day 13 of the 2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship provided a clear examination of performance under pressure at Alexandra Palace. Michael van Gerwen delivered a composed and authoritative display to progress, while a series of demanding contests and notable exits underlined the unforgiving nature of the sport’s biggest stage.
Across Tuesday’s double-session, execution at key moments proved decisive. Experience was tested, composure rewarded, and progression earned with the atmosphere further enhanced by a high-profile crowd that included musician Olly Murs, adding to the occasion without distracting from the standards on display.
AFTERNOON SESSION
Recovery, Resolve and Decisive Execution
Ryan Meikle 3–2 Jonny Tata
(1–3, 2–3, 3–2, 3–1, 3–1)
Ryan Meikle demonstrated resilience and control to overturn a two-set deficit. Under sustained pressure, he managed the latter stages effectively, closing out the deciding set with authority to secure a deserved comeback victory.
Callan Rydz 3–2 Daryl Gurney
(3–1, 0–3, 1–3, 3–0, 5–3)
Callan Rydz once again delivered when the contest reached its most demanding phase. Trailing after three sets, he responded with disciplined finishing, including two 167 checkouts, before maintaining composure in a deciding-set tie-break.
Jermaine Wattimena 3–2 Scott Williams
(3–2, 3–2, 1–3, 0–3, 3–0)
Jermaine Wattimena was drawn into another extended contest but remained composed throughout. After Williams forced a deciding set, Wattimena produced a controlled and one-sided final stanza to progress.
Arno Merk 3–0 Peter Wright
(3–0, 3–1, 3–1)
Arno Merk continued his debut campaign with a disciplined straight-sets victory over two-time World Champion Peter Wright. Calm under pressure and consistent on the outer ring, Merk managed the occasion effectively to secure a significant win.
Key Session Insights
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180s: 35
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Highest Checkout: 167 X2 (Callan Rydz)
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Highest Three-Dart Average: 96.59 (Callan Rydz)
EVENING SESSION
Experience, Precision and Performance at Scale
Justin Hood 3–2 Danny Noppert
(3–2, 3–1, 2–3, 1–3, 6–5)
Justin Hood delivered one of the most technically demanding performances of the tournament. Averaging over 100 and recording 11 maximums, Hood held his nerve through a sudden-death decider to secure progression against the sixth seed.
Gary Anderson 3–1 Connor Scutt
(1–3, 3–1, 3–1, 3–2)
Gary Anderson produced a performance of sustained quality. After conceding the opening set, the two-time World Champion imposed his rhythm, combining scoring power with precise finishing to progress with authority.
Michael van Gerwen 3–1 William O’Connor
(3–2, 3–0, 1–3, 3–0)
Michael van Gerwen delivered a composed and efficient display. After O’Connor applied pressure in the third set, Van Gerwen responded decisively, closing the contest with control to advance into round three.
Josh Rock 3–0 Joe Comito
(3–1, 3–0, 3–1)
Josh Rock produced a commanding performance, averaging over 101 and controlling the contest throughout. His consistency on scoring visits and finishing ensured a straightforward progression.
Key Session Insights
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180s: 48
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Highest Checkout: 157 (Danny Noppert)
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Highest Three-Dart Average: 105.41 (Gary Anderson)
LOOKING AHEAD
The Paddy Power World Darts Championship resumes on Saturday December 27, as the tournament enters its most demanding phase. Reigning champion Luke Littler returns to the Alexandra Palace stage to face Mensur Suljovic, while Stephen Bunting and Jonny Clayton also continue their campaigns as the field narrows.
At Ally Pally, progress is earned and Day 13 reinforced the value of experience, precision and composure at the highest level.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Saturday December 27
Afternoon Session (12:30 GMT)
Round Three
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Wesley Plaisier v Krzysztof Ratajski
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Andrew Gilding v Luke Woodhouse
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Jonny Clayton v Niels Zonneveld
Evening Session (19:00 GMT)
Round Three
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Andreas Harrysson v Ricardo Pietreczko
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Stephen Bunting v James Hurrell
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Luke Littler v Mensur Suljovic
Sunday December 28
Afternoon Session (12:30 GMT)
Round Three
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Martin Schindler v Ryan Searle
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Damon Heta v Rob Cross
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Gary Anderson v Jermaine Wattimena
Evening Session (19:00 GMT)
Round Three
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Gian van Veen v Madars Razma
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Luke Humphries v Gabriel Clemens
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Michael van Gerwen v Arno Merk
Monday December 29
Afternoon Session (12:30 GMT)
Round Three
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Justin Hood v Ryan Meikle
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Ricky Evans v Charlie Manby
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Nathan Aspinall v Kevin Doets
Evening Session (19:00 GMT)
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Josh Rock v Callan Rydz
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Round Four x2 (TBC)
Tuesday December 30
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Round Four x6
Thursday January 1
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Quarter-Finals x4
Friday January 2 (19:30 GMT)
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Semi-Finals
Saturday January 3 (20:00 GMT)
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Final
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