Monday at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship: Precision, Composure and Rising Standards

Monday’s action at Alexandra Palace delivered a complete showcase of elite matchplay.
Peter Wright and Jonny Clayton advanced with controlled opening victories, debutants impressed under pressure, and Cameron Menzies’ emotional response provided one of the day’s most discussed moments.

Here is your detailed performance update, covering the key breakthroughs, leading statistics and technical highlights from both sessions.

AFTERNOON SESSION — Monday: Clinical Finishing & Emerging Talent

The afternoon session opened with a strong display of composure and finishing quality across all four matches.

Brendan Dolan 3–1 Tavis Dudeney

Dolan set a high standard from the outset, producing a measured performance that included a flawless 170 checkout. Despite Dudeney’s nine 180s, Dolan’s experience and control proved decisive.

Charlie Manby 3–2 Cameron Menzies

On debut, Charlie Manby delivered a poised and mature performance, recovering from 2–1 down with a crucial 120 checkout to seal a five-set victory.
Menzies’ raw post-match reaction drew significant attention, though he later ensured full recognition went to Manby’s performance.

Mensur Suljovic 3–1 David Cameron

Suljovic produced a structured and professional display, averaging 94.92 as he managed the match effectively and secured a second-round meeting with Joe Cullen.

Peter Wright 3–0 Noa-Lynn van Leuven

Wright completed a straight-sets victory, highlighted by a trademark 152 checkout. Although not fully satisfied with his performance, the two-time World Champion progresses with his scoring foundation intact.

Key Session Insights

• 180s Thrown: 36

• Highest Checkout: 170 — Brendan Dolan

• Highest Average: 94.92 — Mensur Suljovic

EVENING SESSION — Measured Scoring, High-Pressure Finishes and Experience on Display

The evening session continued the high standard of matchplay, with several performances defined by composure in decisive moments.

Dirk van Duijvenbode 3–2 Andy Baetens

Van Duijvenbode produced one of the standout displays of the tournament so far, overturning a 2–1 deficit with a series of high-quality finishes: 109, 106, a superb 170, and a closing 102 to secure the deciding set.

Connor Scutt 3–2 Simon Whitlock

Scutt demonstrated maturity under pressure, opening the final leg with back-to-back 180s to halt Whitlock’s resurgence and advance to a second-round clash with Gary Anderson.

Max Hopp 3–1 Martin Lukeman

Returning to Ally Pally for the first time in five years, Hopp delivered seven 180s and a composed all-round performance to secure a confident victory.

Jonny Clayton 3–1 Adam Lipscombe

Clayton closed the session with a controlled display, relying on three ton-plus finishes to progress. While not at his peak, the number five seed managed key moments effectively to overcome Lipscombe.

Key Session Insights

• 180s Thrown: 41

• Highest Checkout: 170 — Dirk van Duijvenbode

• Highest Average: 98.54 — Dirk van Duijvenbode

Tuesday 16 December — Fixtures

Afternoon Session (12:30 GMT) — Round One

• Alan Soutar vs Teemu Harju

• Nick Kenny vs Justin Hood

• Scott Williams vs Paolo Nebrida

• Chris Dobey vs Xiaochen Zong

A session featuring a blend of established quality and emerging international talent.

Evening Session (19:00 GMT) — Round One

• Ricardo Pietreczko vs Jose de Sousa

• Danny Noppert vs Jurjen van der Velde

• Gerwyn Price vs Adam Gawlas

• Niko Springer vs Joe Comito

A high-calibre lineup, with top-seeded contenders beginning their campaigns.

Thank you for following today’s coverage. Check back tomorrow for a full analysis of match statistics, performance trends and key moments as the Championship continues to build towards its defining stages.

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