Dirk van Duijvenbode's hopes of advancing to the later stages of the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship were dashed on December 22 when he faced off against Latvia's Madars Razma at Alexandra Palace. The match, which initially seemed promising for Van Duijvenbode, ended with him suffering a 3-1 defeat, marking another early exit for the Dutch star.
At the start of the match, Van Duijvenbode, known as 'Aubergenius', displayed remarkable form, breaking Razma with stunning darts. He won the first leg with a 14-darter and followed it up with another 14-darter to quickly take control of the first set with a 3-0 win. His dominating demeanor continued as he stormed through the opening of the second set, with a hefty 15-darter and finishing with 86 to hold a 2-0 lead.
But this would be the beginning of Van Duijvenbode's troubles. "Everything cost me so much energy," he later lamented, as Razma started to find his rhythm. Unexpectedly, the triples became elusive for Van Duijvenbode, who couldn't secure the third leg and saw Razma capitalize by winning his first leg. Van Duijvenbode seemed rattled, unable to shake off the strain from his sickness, leading him to falter monumentally.
The turning point came mid-way through the second set. After allowing Razma to fight back and take the set 3-2, Van Duijvenbode's frustration mounted. "I thought: what are you doing? You know I have to start?" he expressed, recalling the confusion as he realized Razma was ready to throw before him. Following this emotional moment, Van Duijvenbode's performance plummeted, leading to three consecutive set wins by Razma who showcased tenacity and skill.
Van Duijvenbode's decline was accompanied by significant errors, including missed doubles and uncharacteristic oversights, leading to Razma holding the match's momentum firmly. "I was doing well at the start, but after the 2-0 lead, I lost everything," Van Duijvenbode admitted. The transition from up-and-coming favorite to early-round casualty was painfully swift, leaving many concerned for the Dutchman's mental state going forward.
This tournament marked the second consecutive year Van Duijvenbode faced exit early from the Championships, frustrating not just for him but for the fans who have watched his considerable talent struggle to convert potential wins. Meanwhile, Madars Razma celebrated not only his hard-fought victory but also ignited hopes of even greater successes within the tournament, slated to face off against the world’s eighth rank player Stephen Bunting.
The outcome reiterated the unpredictable nature of sports—how swiftly fortunes can change within the span of mere legs. While Van Duijvenbode may return to the drawing board, pondering his performance amid health challenges, Razma’s conviction and skill reflected the high stakes of competitive darts. Fans can certainly expect to witness his next matches with great anticipation.
With the championship progressing, Van Duijvenbode's exit emphasizes both the pressures athletes face as they navigate personal challenges and the resilience necessary to remain competitive. His narrative will remain one of caution, highlighting the physical toll the sport can take, especially during high-stakes tournaments like the PDC World Darts Championship.
