The PDC World Darts Championship continues to captivate fans at Alexandra Palace, with Michael van Gerwen sending out a statement of intent following his dominant performance against English debutant James Hurrell. The three-time world champion, who has faced challenges throughout the year, cruised to a 3-0 victory, showcasing his prowess as he aims for another title.
Van Gerwen, now 35, had enjoyed his opening match after battling his way through what he described as a tough year. He averaged 94.85, landing nine successful double attempts from 18 shots and completing two impressive three-figure checkouts. Though Hurrell, 40, initially took the opening leg, it wasn't long before the Dutchman demonstrated his skill, winning three straight legs to close the match decisively and comfortably.
“I think I played OK,” Van Gerwen reflected after the match, speaking to Sky Sports. “Of course, I was a bit nervous. Like everyone knows, it's been a tough year for me. Overall, it was a good performance. I was confident. I won the game, that's the main thing.”
Following Van Gerwen's triumph, Stephen Bunting faced his own struggles against Germany's Kai Gotthardt. The eighth-seed nearly found himself down two sets but capitalized on Gotthardt's missed chances to take the second set. With Bunting securing seven consecutive legs after trailing, he eventually sealed the win with the scoreline reading 3-1, setting up his next meeting with Dirk van Duijvenbode or Madars Razma.
“When you’ve got the crowd behind you, it’s a special place to play,” Bunting expressed post-match. His performance, fueled by support from the audience, proved pivotal as he reclaimed momentum after his opponent's strong start which included three 180s and proficiency on the doubles.
The excitement didn't end there, as Wessel Nijman also made headlines with his thrilling clash against Cameron Carolissen. The Dutchman, considered among the tournament favorites this year, faced fierce competition from the South African. After leading 2-0, Nijman was pushed to the edge, thanks to Carolissen’s resilient comeback, forcing the match to go to the deciding leg.
“What a tug-of-war,” Nijman recounted with relief. “After I was 2-0 ahead, I didn't think it was going to be tough anymore. But when he came back from 2-0 to 2-2, my mind did briefly go, 'If only I don't let this slip through my fingers.'” His experience shone through as he clinched victory, demonstrating his characteristic grit.
Other notable matches included Florian Hempel, who continued to thrive on the Alexandra Palace stage with a solid victory against Jeffrey De Zwaan, setting himself up for another challenge against Daryl Gurney. Mickey Mansell also claimed victory against Japan’s Tomoya Goto, securing his own path through to the next round.
News also broke earlier during the day when Filipino player Sandro Eric Sosing withdrew from his match against Ian White due to severe chest pains. Following medical assessments, he was taken to the hospital for treatment, which brought attention to the necessary precautions required during competitive events.
With the tournament still underway and pivotal matches scheduled for the weekend, fans are buzzing with anticipation as they look forward to the next performances from top players, including last year’s runner-up, Luke Littler, who will kick off his campaign against Ryan Meikle. The prestige of the PDC Worlds shines brightly, drawing viewers eager to witness every twist and turn as the competition progresses.
The PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace is more than just darts—it's drama, skill, and high-stakes entertainment, building to what promises to be nail-biting encounters over the coming days.
