The PDC World Darts Championship has been full of surprises this year, with Paolo Nebrida making headlines by defeating Ross Smith with stunning precision. Coming off the back of his first World Championship victory last week against Jim Williams, Nebrida's dazzling performance continued as he achieved victory over Smith with impressive finishes, securing his place as the first Filipino to reach the third round of the tournament.
Nebrida's exploits on December 22, 2024, showcased his phenomenal finishing skills, as he achieved nearly flawless double percentage, converting 82% of his chances. His match against Smith was particularly noteworthy, displaying not only his technical prowess but also his ability to stay composed under pressure. After taking the first set 3-2, Nebrida built momentum and followed through with back-to-back set victories, closing the match with three sets to nil.
Instantly, he made history by becoming the first Asian player since Seigo Asada, who managed to break through to the latter stages of the championship back in 2020. Nebrida took the lead early, displaying his skill with finishes of 80 and 120 to establish himself against Smith, who struggled to capitalize on his opportunities. Nebrida's steady rise through the tournament has been indicative of his preparation and determination to make his mark.
According to the PDC's official Twitter account, Nebrida's victory over Smith was highlighted with enthusiasm, capturing the excitement of both fans and players: “NEBRIDA STUNS SMITH!” The match concluded with Nebrida finishing strong, securing his victory with a 17-darter to close the contest.
Other matches on the same day did not disappoint either, with unseeded players performing remarkably. Callan Rydz overcame Martin Schindler decisively with another 3-0 victory. Rydz, who had been searching for his first win after enduring 12 previous losses, showed exceptional skill, finishing without difficulty after capitalizing on Schindler's errors.
Jeffrey de Graaf also stunned the darts community with his performance against longtime rival Gary Anderson. De Graaf achieved victory with another clean sweep, taking the match 3-0, showcasing his prowess with impressive checkouts including finishes of 100 and 120. His performance pushed him closer to the upper echelons of the tournament as he eyes stronger competition.
Rydz and Nebrida’s success has set the stage for thrilling matches as they meet formidable opponents in the next rounds, intensifying the competition at this year's World Darts Championship.
Despite the absence of Dutch players on this day of competition, the matches were filled with electric moments as other competitors punched their tickets to the next round, including Dimitri van den Bergh, who claimed victory over Ireland's Dylan Slevin.
The PDC World Darts Championship continues to captivate audiences with each match, promising even more exciting upsets and showcases of talent as the tournament progresses. Every game is proving to be significant, both for the competitors and for the nation they represent, especially showing the impact of underdogs who rise to the occasion.
Looking back at Nebrida's history-making advancement, it reflects on the growth and potential of darts as a global sport. His achievements not only honor his home country but also spread awareness of the burgeoning talent coming from the Philippines.
