In a seismic shock at the Alexandra Palace, former champion Gerwyn Price has been sensationally eliminated from the PDC World Darts Championship. The Welsh number three seed was swept aside in a stunning second-round defeat by Dutch outsider Wesley Plaisier.
A Night of High Drama at Ally Pally
The match, which captivated the packed London crowd, ended in a straight-sets victory for the 35-year-old Dutchman. This result stands as one of the most significant upsets in the recent history of the tournament. Plaisier, who had never before progressed beyond the second round at the World Championship, produced the darts of his life to topple the 2021 world champion.
Price, 40, who is renowned for his competitive fire, was unable to find his rhythm against an inspired opponent. Plaisier maintained remarkable composure throughout the contest, capitalising on uncharacteristic errors from the Welshman to secure a famous win.
Plaisier's Dream Victory
Speaking to Sky Sports in an emotional on-stage interview immediately after his triumph, an elated Plaisier struggled to comprehend his achievement. "I still can't believe it. I'm so over the moon," he confessed. "This is my biggest victory ever. I don't know how I did it but I'm happy I kept calm at the end. I was so nervous, but I'm so happy to get it over the line."
He fittingly capped off his interview with a festive message to the fans, declaring: "Merry Christmas, everyone!" His victory sends shockwaves through the tournament and drastically alters the landscape of the draw.
Tournament Consequences and Next Steps
This seismic result has major implications for the championship. Plaisier's reward is a third-round tie against Poland's Krzysztof Ratajski, which will take place after the Christmas break. Price's early exit opens up the bottom half of the draw, providing a huge opportunity for other title contenders.
The defeat marks a bitterly disappointing early end to Price's campaign at Ally Pally, a venue where he has enjoyed tremendous success in the past. For Wesley Plaisier, however, his name is now etched in World Darts Championship folklore as the author of one of its greatest giant-killing acts.
