A thrilling afternoon of intense matchups at the 2023 PDC World Darts Championship's third round showcased ambitious performances and close finishes. The Alexandra Palace hosted fervent fans and top-tier players vying for victory, creating electric atmospheres around the stage.
The day's first highlight came from Gerwyn Price and Joe Cullen, who kicked off the evening session with what turned out to be a nail-biting finish. Price, the defending champion, managed to edge out Cullen 4-3 after enduring some tumultuous moments. The battle was fraught with errors, especially on the doubles, as noted by commentators Sam Drury and Callum Matthews: "It's getting very nervy now - and doubles are being missed all over the place." What began as Price's strong 3-0 lead turned precarious, leading to fears of an upset.
Price struggled, particularly on double 10, missing many high-pressure shots which opened the door for Cullen to mount his comeback. The match was highlighted by many missed opportunities on both sides, leading to commentator Rod Studd's reflection, stating, "What a rollercoaster ride we're on here." Indeed, the excitement of darts was palpable, as Price's failure to capitalize on break opportunities almost cost him the match.
Meanwhile, as the day progressed, Luke Humphries showcased his prowess against Nick Kenny, sealing victory with resounding authority by finishing 4-0. His performance, described as dominating yet comfortable, saw Humphries systematically dismantling Kenny's chances through well-executed throws and strategic play. With powerful finishes such as 145 and 136 checkouts standout moments, Humphries demonstrated why he is the current world number one.
Even though Humphries' performance wasn't his absolute best, he managed to secure the win efficiently. Drury observed Humphries's decisive action: "Cool Hand Luke is rushing to the finishing line," indicating the flow and momentum the player built up throughout the match. This 4-0 loss meant Kenny faced elimination, exiting the championship amid high aspirations.
The climax of the day arrived with Peter Wright and Jermaine Wattimena facing off. Wright, often known for his flamboyant style and impressive finishes, proved he was still a formidable competitor, winning 4-2. Even with the backdrop of a chest infection affecting his stamina and form, Wright displayed remarkable skill, hitting ten 180s and thrilling the audience, proving a truism among commentators like Glen Durrant who said, "This is stunning so far, after being broken early he wins three on the spin to steal the first set."
Wright’s sharpness was evident as he systematically dismantled Wattimena's defenses, even converting impressive finishes like his 117 checkout at one point. Durrant also remarked on Wright's overall dictation of the game: "Peter Wright is finishing beautifully at the moment," encapsulating the delight of spectators enjoying their hero's impressive darts.
The gathering culminated as fans eagerly anticipated the next rounds of competition. These matches established not only the skills of the players but also illustrated the thrills and drama inherent to the sport of darts, especially under the high stakes of the PDC World Championship.
Looking forward, the tournament continues this weekend with powerhouse players like Michael van Gerwen and the exciting young gun Luke Littler slated to fight for their spots. With the momentum of these spectacular matchups behind, fans can expect fierce competition, electrifying showmanship, and perhaps even history as players strive for the ultimate title at Alexandra Palace.
