A Night of Definition at the World Championship

Day Seven of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship reinforced the unforgiving standards of the sport’s biggest stage. Measured performances, decisive finishing and a moment of genuine history shaped the narrative, as James Wade returned to winning form and Raymond van Barneveld became the first former World Champion to exit this year’s tournament.

At Alexandra Palace, reputation again proved secondary to execution once the first dart was thrown.

Adam Sevada 3–1 Matt Campbell

(3–1, 2–3, 3–2, 3–0)
North American breakthrough

Adam Sevada secured a landmark World Championship victory in an all–North American contest. After an evenly balanced opening, Sevada asserted control in a pivotal third set, producing combination finishes of 117, 66 and 70 to shift momentum decisively.

Composed under pressure, he closed out the match efficiently to book a second-round meeting with Charlie Manby.

Stefan Bellmont 3–0 Raymond van Barneveld

(3–1, 3–0, 3–1)
Swiss history at Ally Pally

Stefan Bellmont delivered the defining result of the session, producing a disciplined and clinical display to defeat five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld in straight sets.

The Swiss number one was exemplary on the doubles, winning nine of the final ten legs and denying Van Barneveld any sustained rhythm. The victory marked the first World Championship match win by a Swiss player and represented the biggest result of Bellmont’s career to date.

James Wade 3–0 Ryusei Azemoto

(3–1, 3–0, 3–0)
Control and composure

James Wade returned to the World Championship winner’s circle with a composed straight-sets victory. The four-time semi-finalist controlled the tempo throughout, stringing together seven consecutive legs and applying consistent pressure at key moments.

Efficient rather than expansive, Wade’s performance secured a second-round rematch with Ricky Evans.

Martin Schindler 3–1 Stephen Burton

(3–1, 0–3, 3–0, 3–0)
Authority from Germany’s number one

Martin Schindler produced the standout performance of the night. After surrendering the second set, the German number one responded emphatically, averaging 99.14 and striking seven maximums to close out the contest with authority.

Relentless scoring and controlled finishing underlined Schindler’s growing confidence on the World Championship stage.

Key Session Insights

• Total 180s: 20

• Highest Checkout: 117 – Adam Sevada

• Highest Three-Dart Average: 99.14 – Martin Schindler

What’s Next at Ally Pally

The Paddy Power World Darts Championship continues on Thursday with another double-session at Alexandra Palace.

Thursday 18 December

Afternoon Session (12:30 GMT)
Round One – Best of Five Sets

• Callan Rydz v Patrik Kovacs

• Thibault Tricole v Motomu Sakai

• Ryan Joyce v Owen Bates

• Mike De Decker v David Munyua

Evening Session (19:00 GMT)
Round One – Best of Five Sets

• Jermaine Wattimena v Dominik Gruellich

• Dave Chisnall v Fallon Sherrock

• Michael van Gerwen v Mitsuhiko Tatsunami

• Krzysztof Ratajski v Alexis Toylo

At the World Championship, precision defines progress. Day Seven delivered performances that met that standard.

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