Dave Chisnall's dreams of lifting the trophy at the World Darts Championship were dashed on December 23, 2024, as he found himself eliminated by the unseeded Ricky Evans at London's Alexandra Palace. The match was not just notable for its skillful highlights but was marred by what many are calling one of the most dramatic miscounts during the championship.
Chisnall, seeded sixth, was favored to win against the 45th-seeded Evans, but the match was anything but predictable from the outset. Both players showcased their skills, rapidly trading blows with impressive averages above 100. Commentary from former Premier League champion Glen Durrant added to the thrilling atmosphere, stating, "This [match] deserves to go the distance!" His optimism, though, could not foresee the twist waiting just around the corner.
The core highlight of the match came when Chisnall believed he had secured the penultimate leg with what he thought was a stunning 139 checkout. He successfully hit double 16 and raised his arms in celebration, prompting cheers from the crowd. This was, unfortunately, short-lived as he was later informed he had miscalculated his required checkout; the correct target was double 20. This embarrassing miscount turned what should have been one of the match's high points instead, making Chisnall look bewildered and regretful.
Evans capitalized on Chisnall's mistake, seizing the opportunity to force the match to sudden death after closing out the tenth leg of the fifth set. Fans' jeers added to Chisnall's distress as they rallied behind the underdog Evans, who, after finally triumphing, reflected on the surreal atmosphere, humorously thanking the crowd for their cheering with, "Merry Christmas, you weirdos!"
The dramatic finish left Chisnall reeling and became the talk of the evening. "A ridiculous miscount from Chizzy. That's a blinding 131 finish - shame it's not what he wanted!" commented Sky Sports' Dan Dawson, encapsulating the confused reactions of many spectators. Evans's exciting play throughout helped him to break through under pressure, as he commented post-match, "I actually played well for once—normally, it's poo!" This light-hearted admission only added to the spirited ambiance of the event.
Unfortunately for Chisnall, the miscount was the culmination of what turned out to be the last chapter of his championship run for 2024. He became the 14th seed to exit the tournament before Christmas—a record for the World Championship and notable alongside the previous exits of big names like Michael Smith and Rob Cross.
This high level of turnover among seeded players leaves fans speculating about the unpredictability of this year's Championship, with many traditional favorites falling to less favored opponents. Chisnall's exit contributes to the narrative of shocks and surprises the tournament has become known for, leaving both players and fans alike to ponder the upsets and potential for other underdogs to rise during the championship.
With the tournament continuing with the remaining matches following the Christmas break, all eyes will be on Evans as he navigates the next stages—hoping to ride this wave of momentum stemming from such intense competition against Chisnall. The world of darts remains electrified, ready for more surprises as competitors prove their mettle when it matters most.
