Price Issues an Early Title Signal as Established Names Progress
Day Six of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship reinforced the demands of the sport’s biggest stage. Clear statements were made by proven contenders, led by Gerwyn Price’s authoritative opening display and Danny Noppert’s measured, high-quality response in a tightly contested encounter. Across a demanding afternoon and a high-quality evening session, Alexandra Palace once again delivered performances that separated intent from ambition.
Afternoon Session
Control, Composure and Emerging Narratives
The afternoon session combined established experience with emerging momentum, played out in front of a vocal, fully engaged Ally Pally crowd.
Alan Soutar 3–2 Teemu Harju
A contest defined by resolve. Soutar established early control, averaging close to 108 as he moved two sets clear, before Harju mounted a sustained comeback. Both players missed match darts, but Soutar held his nerve in the deciding set to advance after a demanding five-set battle.
Justin Hood 3–0 Nick Kenny
On his Alexandra Palace debut, Hood delivered a composed and authoritative performance. A 99.59 average and five maximums underlined a controlled straight-sets victory and a confident passage into round two.
Scott Williams 3–0 Paolo Nebrida
Williams produced a measured and efficient display, averaging over 99 and missing just five darts at double. A precise double-double 92 checkout closed out another accomplished Ally Pally performance from the former semi-finalist.
Chris Dobey 3–1 Xiaochen Zong
Dobey progressed despite a brief mid-match dip in fluency. Dobey regained control when required, sealing victory with an 11-darter to set up a second-round meeting with Andrew Gilding.
Session Metrics
Number of 180’s scored in this session - 37
Highest outshot of the session – 130 (Alan Soutar)
Highest 3 dart average - 99.59 (Justin Hood)
Evening Session
Proven Quality and Clear Intent
The evening session belonged to established contenders, led by a commanding display from a former world champion.
Ricardo Pietreczko 3–1 Jose de Sousa
Pietreczko recorded his third consecutive opening-round World Championship victory. Despite De Sousa landing six maximums, the German’s consistency at key moments secured progression and confirmed De Sousa’s return to Qualifying School in January.
Danny Noppert 3–1 Jurjen van der Velde
Noppert was tested throughout a tightly contested encounter. Van der Velde arrived well prepared, but key finishes of 88 and 135 proved decisive. Noppert closed the match with authority, producing a 110 average in the fourth set to move through.
Gerwyn Price 3–0 Adam Gawlas
Price opened his campaign with clarity and purpose. Two 120 checkouts and a controlled 96 average underlined a performance built on intent, efficiency and control from start to finish.
“I believe I’m going to win this tournament,” Price stated post-match. On this evidence, the message was clear.
Joe Comito 3–1 Niko Springer
Comito delivered one of the standout results of the tournament to date. Capitalising on missed opportunities, the Australian remained composed at critical moments to secure a landmark World Championship victory.
Session Metrics
Number of 180’s scored in this session - 31
Highest outshot of the session – 155 (Joe Comito)
Highest 3 dart average - 96.62 (Danny Noppert)
