The festive season at London's Alexandra Palace has been electrified by the ongoing PDC World Darts Championship, with the first 12 days delivering an unforgettable cocktail of drama, upsets, and pure sporting theatre.
Historic Triumphs and Shock Exits
This year's tournament has already cemented its place in the history books. David Munyua staged a phenomenal comeback on Day Eight, recovering from a 2-0 deficit to defeat world number 18 Mike De Decker 3-2. The Kenyan veterinarian, surviving three match darts and a visit from the now-infamous 'Ally Pally wasp', sealed his victory with a clutch 135 bullseye checkout, becoming the first player from Kenya to win a match at this level.
In another landmark moment, 71-year-old legend Paul Lim defied time on Day Three. The 'Singapore Slinger' defeated Jeffrey de Graaf 3-1 to become the oldest winner in the championship's history, receiving a rapturous ovation 43 years after his debut.
The shocks continued as former champion Gerwyn Price suffered a stunning second-round exit on Day 11. The 2021 winner was whitewashed 3-0 by world number 92 Wesley Plaisier, a Dutch forklift driver who punished every missed opportunity.
Characters and Controversy Light Up the Stage
Beyond the results, unique personalities have captured the crowd's imagination. Japan's Motomu Sakai became an instant cult hero with a wildly energetic walk-on to an anime theme song, backing it up with a sharp 3-0 win. Meanwhile, the tournament's unofficial mascot—a persistent wasp—became a viral sensation, notably interacting with Munyua who briefly pocketed the insect as a 'good luck charm'.
Controversy also reared its head during Mensur Suljovic's 3-1 victory over Joe Cullen on Day 11. Cullen publicly accused his opponent of 'cheating' due to his slow pace and prolonged celebrations, sparking a heated post-match debate about gamesmanship in the sport.
Favourites Find Their Feet Amid the Chaos
While shocks have abounded, the tournament's biggest star has navigated through. Luke Littler advanced with a 3-0 win over David Davies, capitalising on a bizarre moment where his opponent mistakenly tried to leave the stage mid-set. Littler showcased his class with a brilliant 145 checkout as he continues his quest for the Sid Waddell Trophy and the £1 million prize.
Elsewhere, Nathan Aspinall provided one of the finishes of the tournament so far, sealing a 3-1 win over Lourence Ilagan with a spectacular 170 'Big Fish' checkout under immense pressure.
The championship has also shown its power to bring worlds together, with former footballer Peter Crouch and actor Jason Sudeikis spotted enjoying the action side-by-side in the crowd.
With the tournament now moving into its deeper rounds after the Christmas break, the stage is set for even greater drama. If the first 12 days are anything to go by, Ally Pally promises more unforgettable moments as the battle for darts' ultimate prize intensifies.
