The excitement of the 2024/25 Paddy Power World Darts Championship is taking center stage at the iconic Alexandra Palace, where history is being written and upsets are thrilling audiences. Fans have been treated to outstanding displays, drama, and moments of firsts as players from around the globe compete for the coveted title.
Day three of the championship featured two prominent players embarking on their challenges: Mike De Decker and Peter Wright. De Decker, fresh off his recent Grand Prix victory, entered as one of the top favorites to take home the trophy but faced stiff competition from Luke Woodhouse, whose form has been impressive throughout the tournament.
Mike De Decker, seeded and favored by many, was set to prove his mettle on stage—which he had successfully claimed earlier this year. He secured his spot after defeating notable opponents like Luke Humphries and Gary Anderson to win his first major title. At the time, he held odds of 25/126.00 to win the championship, but facing Woodhouse was anything but simple.
Meanwhile, Peter Wright, the two-time World Champion, was ready to take on Wesley Plaisier to kickstart his title defense. Determined and focused, Wright aimed to reclaim his place at the top after some disappointing outings, hoping to spark his campaign at this competition.
Earlier during the day, the spotlight shined bright on Noa-Lynn van Leuven, who made headlines as the first transgender player to grace the World Darts Championship stage. A symbol of courage and perseverance, van Leuven faced Kevin Doets. Although she experienced defeat, her presence was celebrated as she received applause from many fans, showcasing the progressive nature of the sport.
Van Leuven's match against Doets was hard-fought. She managed to secure the first set, demonstrating her skills and immediately making history. Yet, as she progressed, the match took unforeseen turns. Following the initial success, Doets reclaimed momentum and won the match 3-1. The pivotal moment came when both players had a chaotic leg filled with missed doubles, where they both struggled to secure the winning shot, resulting in what many described as comical and shambolic.
Reflecting on her experience, van Leuven made it clear she didn't plan to let her historic status define her; she simply wanted to showcase her talent. "I just want to play darts. Why does it matter who you are?" she declared, urging for acceptance as she continues her career. Her hopeful words and resilient spirit inspired many watching at home and live at the venue.
Back to De Decker, his rivalry with Woodhouse saw intense competition, as De Decker gradually fell behind early on. Woodhouse delivered some blistering darts, setting the pace of the game right from the start. Despite moments of brilliance from De Decker, including one impressive set where he averaged 107, it was Woodhouse who prevailed, stunning the crowd with his final score of 3-1.
"The win is unbelievable. It’s incredible. I’m happy. I know I can put in big averages, but consistency is my main thing," Woodhouse said after the match, reveling in his triumph as he advanced to the next round. This victory not only shocked the fans but was also significant for Woodhouse, as he now seeks to make more waves as he progresses through the tournament.
After the afternoon's excitement, the evening promised even more thrilling contests with the likes of Fallon Sherrock taking the stage against Ryan Meikle, alongside Peter Wright who aimed to tackle Plaisier for his second-round matchup. Sherrock, often considered the "Queen of the Palace," was riding the crowd's supportive energy as she intended to bolster her achievements at this prestigious championship.
On another note, Jeffrey de Graaf was celebrated for making strides as he was set to face Bahamas' Rashad Sweeting, who was making history as the first player from his country to play at the World Championship level. Sweeting earned his spot by performing extraordinarily well on the Championship Darts Latin America and Caribbean Tour.
Day three encapsulated the spirit of darts—both through the fierce competition and the milestones set by athletes spanning the globe. From historic matches involving trailblazers like van Leuven to the surprising achievements of underdogs like Woodhouse, the championship remains tightly packed with stories to tell and futures to shape.
Fans can expect more exhilarating action as the tournament progresses. With several big names aiming for glory, including the likes of Wright and Sherrock, the line-up seems set for another spectacular evening filled with high-stakes dartplaying. Stay tuned as the drama of the World Darts Championship continues to unravel.
