Where Standards Were Set and Progress Was Earned
Here is your complete weekend review from Thursday through Sunday at Alexandra Palace. Across four demanding days, standards were tested, margins proved decisive and the tournament landscape shifted. David Munyua achieved a historic breakthrough, Gerwyn Price and Michael Smith were eliminated in round two, and Michael van Gerwen was required to navigate early pressure as the intensity increased across a pivotal weekend of World Championship action.
This report captures every key moment - all in one place.
MUNYUA MAKES HISTORY AS VAN GERWEN PROGRESSES AT ALLY PALLY
Day Eight of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship delivered a clear reminder of the demands of darts’ biggest stage. David Munyua produced a landmark comeback victory to secure his place in World Championship history, while Michael van Gerwen was required to recover from early setbacks before progressing.
From breakthrough performances to experienced recovery, Alexandra Palace once again demonstrated that execution under pressure remains the defining currency — with the atmosphere further elevated by a high-profile appearance from former England striker Peter Crouch among a fully engaged crowd.
AFTERNOON SESSION
Measured Execution and Historic Progress
Callan Rydz 3–0 Patrik Kovacs
(3–1, 3–1, 3–1)
Rydz began the session with a controlled and authoritative performance. The two-time quarter-finalist dictated tempo throughout, producing a composed double-double 92 checkout before closing the match with a clinical 14-dart break.
Motomu Sakai 3–0 Thibault Tricole
(3–2, 3–2, 3–0)
Sakai made an immediate impact on his Alexandra Palace debut. The Japanese qualifier delivered a decisive 148 checkout before asserting full control in the final set to complete a disciplined straight-sets victory.
Ryan Joyce 3–0 Owen Bates
(3–0, 3–1, 3–0)
Joyce produced one of the most efficient performances of the afternoon. Averaging over 100 in the opening sets and converting 64% of his doubles, he conceded just one leg across the contest.
David Munyua 3–2 Mike De Decker
(1–3, 2–3, 3–2, 3–2, 3–1)
Munyua delivered a landmark World Championship victory. Trailing 2–0 and facing three match darts, he demonstrated exceptional composure, turning the match with a pivotal 135 checkout before closing out a historic comeback.
Key Session Insights
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180s: 21
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Highest Checkout: 148 – Motomu Sakai
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Highest Three-Dart Average: 95.27 – Ryan Joyce
EVENING SESSION
Recovery, Composure and Big-Stage Discipline
Jermaine Wattimena 3–2 Dominik Gruellich
(3–1, 2–3, 2–3, 3–1, 3–0)
Wattimena was forced into a prolonged contest but responded decisively when required. After falling behind, he produced six consecutive legs across the final two sets to secure progression.
Dave Chisnall 3–0 Fallon Sherrock
(3–1, 3–0, 3–2)
Chisnall delivered a composed, professional display. Consistent scoring and a 47% success rate on doubles ensured a straight-sets victory without allowing momentum to shift.
Michael van Gerwen 3–1 Mitsuhiko Tatsunami
(1–3, 3–2, 3–1, 3–2)
Van Gerwen was tested early before asserting control. After conceding the opening set and surviving multiple set darts, the three-time champion won nine of the final twelve legs to progress.
Krzysztof Ratajski 3–0 Alexis Toylo
(3–0, 3–1, 3–1)
Ratajski closed the session with authority. Averaging over 97 and converting 50% of his doubles, he controlled proceedings throughout, highlighted by a composed 170 checkout.
Key Session Insights
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180s: 23
-
Highest Checkout: 170 – Krzysztof Ratajski
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Highest Three-Dart Average: 97.67 – Krzysztof Ratajski
DAY NINE — FRIDAY 19 DECEMBER
Round One Concludes Under Sustained Pressure
Kevin Doets 3–1 Matthew Dennant
(2-3; 3-1; 3-2; 3-2)
Doets recovered from a slow start to impose control. Consistent finishing across the final three sets reflected his experience at Alexandra Palace as he advanced comfortably.
Ryan Meikle 3–0 Jesus Salate
(3-0; 3-0; 3-1)
Meikle dominated from the outset. Six consecutive legs established full control, and high efficiency on the doubles ensured a straightforward progression.
Leonard Gates 3–2 Mickey Mansell
(3-2; 0-3; 3-1; 1-3; 3-0)
Gates maintained composure across a fluctuating five-set contest. Never trailing in the match, he delivered a controlled final set to secure another World Championship victory.
Josh Rock 3–1 Gemma Hayter
(3-1; 3-0; 1-3; 3-2)
Rock encountered early resistance but responded effectively. After conceding a set, he regrouped and closed out the contest in a decisive leg to advance.
Key Session Insights
Number of 180’s scored in this session - 13
Highest outshot of the session – 152 (Kevin Doets)
Highest 3 dart average - 92.11 (Kevin Doets)
EVENING SESSION
Fine Margins, Deciding Legs & Controlled Finishing
William O’Connor 3–0 Krzysztof Kciuk
(3-2; 3-0; 3-0)
O’Connor produced one of the standout performances of the tournament. A 102.36 average and seven maximums underlined a dominant display from start to finish.
Daryl Gurney 3–2 Beau Greaves
(3-2; 1-3; 3-2; 0-3; 3-1)
Gurney edged a tightly contested encounter decided by fine margins. A crucial 144 checkout in the final set proved decisive in a match of sustained pressure.
Nathan Aspinall 3–1 Lourence Ilagan
(2-3; 3-1; 3-2; 3-2)
Aspinall navigated a demanding opening test. Two set-deciding legs, including a match-winning 170 checkout, secured progression despite sustained resistance.
Keane Barry 3–0 Tim Pusey
(3-2; 3-0; 3-1)
Barry delivered a composed and efficient performance. Averaging 93 and converting over half his doubles, he progressed without conceding a set.
Key Session Insights
Number of 180’s scored in this session - 31
Highest outshot of the session – 170 (Nathan Aspinall)
Highest 3 dart average - 102.36 (William O’Connor)
SATURDAY 20 DECEMBER
Round Two Begins as Margins Tighten
Ryan Searle 3–0 Brendan Dolan
(3-1, 3-0, 3-1)
Searle controlled the contest with sustained scoring power. Averaging close to 99 and converting 64% of his doubles, he closed out the match decisively.
Andreas Harrysson 3–0 Motomu Sakai
(3-2, 3-1, 3-2)
Harrysson continued his debut campaign with another disciplined performance. A key 141 checkout set the tone as he capitalised on missed opportunities throughout.
James Hurrell 3–2 Dirk van Duijvenbode
(1-3, 3-0, 3-1, 1-3, 3-1)
Hurrell produced one of the day’s defining results. Ten maximums and a decisive 132 checkout carried him through a high-pressure deciding set.
Ricardo Pietreczko 3–2 Dave Chisnall
(3-1, 3-1, 1-3, 0-3, 4-2)
Pietreczko demonstrated resilience under pressure. After surviving a match dart, he closed out the final set with three consecutive legs.
Key Session Insights
Number of 180’s scored in this session - 33
Highest outshot of the session – 141 (Andreas Harrysson)
Highest 3 dart average - 98.67 (Ryan Searle)
EVENING SESSION
Standards Tested as Seeds Came Under Pressure
Niels Zonneveld 3–1 Michael Smith
(3-1, 1-3, 3-2, 3-0)
Zonneveld produced a measured, clinical display to eliminate the former World Champion. Missed opportunities proved costly as Zonneveld maintained control at key moments.
Andrew Gilding 3–1 Chris Dobey
(2-3, 3-0, 3-1, 3-2)
Gilding delivered his highest Alexandra Palace average to date. Consistent scoring and disciplined finishing secured a significant victory over the eighth seed.
Stephen Bunting 3–0 Nitin Kumar
(3-1, 3-0, 3-1)
Bunting progressed with minimal disruption. Heavy scoring and 53% checkout efficiency underpinned a controlled straight-sets performance.
Jonny Clayton advances directly to round three after Dom Taylor’s withdrawal.
Key Session Insights
Number of 180’s scored in this session - 22
Highest outshot of the session – 167 (Chris Dobey)
Highest 3 dart average - 99.01 (Andrew Gilding)
SUNDAY 21 DECEMBER
Round Two Delivers Further Definition
Krzysztof Ratajski 3–1 Ryan Joyce
(3-1, 3-1, 0-3, 3-0)
Ratajski established early control and maintained composure. After conceding a set, he closed the match efficiently with a 13-dart finish.
Mensur Suljovic 3–1 Joe Cullen
(0-3, 3-1, 3-2, 3-2)
Suljovic navigated a match of sustained tension. Timing his strongest passages effectively, he secured progression in a contest marked by fluctuating momentum.
Luke Woodhouse 3–0 Max Hopp
(3-0, 3-0, 3-1)
Woodhouse asserted control immediately, winning six consecutive legs. A composed display ensured progression without interruption.
Rob Cross 3–1 Ian White
3-1, 0-3, 3-1, 3-2)
Cross relied on disciplined finishing at key moments. A decisive 92 checkout in a set decider proved pivotal as he advanced.
Key Session Insights
Number of 180’s scored in this session - 21
Highest outshot of the session – 170 (Joe Cullen)
Highest 3 dart average - 93.91 (Krzysztof Ratajski)
EVENING SESSION
Decisive Execution on the Sport’s Biggest Stage
Martin Schindler 3–0 Keane Barry
(3-2, 3-2, 3-2)
Schindler delivered under sustained pressure. Each set went to a deciding leg, but clinical finishes ensured a straight-sets result.
Wesley Plaisier 3–0 Gerwyn Price
(3-1, 3-1, 3-2)
Plaisier produced a landmark performance. Maintaining control throughout, he capitalised on missed chances to secure a decisive victory over the former World Champion.
Luke Littler 3–0 David Davies
(3-2, 3-1, 3-1)
Littler recovered from early pressure before asserting authority. Once settled, he controlled proceedings to complete a composed straight-sets win.
Damon Heta 3–2 Stefan Bellmont
(1-3, 3-1, 1-3, 3-1, 3-1)
Heta demonstrated resilience across a demanding contest. Strong doubling in the closing stages proved decisive in a five-set encounter.
Key Session Insights
Number of 180’s scored in this session - 25
Highest outshot of the session – 145 (Luke Littler)
Highest 3 dart average - 97.15 (Luke Littler)
LOOKING AHEAD
The World Championship resumes on Monday at Alexandra Palace, where generations of champions have been defined and every performance is measured against the highest standard the sport demands.
On darts’ most iconic stage, nothing is given and progress is earned through precision, composure and resolve. Follow all the latest updates here.
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