On the third day of the Darts World Championship 2025, the spotlight was shining brightly on German dart player Ricardo Pietreczko as he managed to secure his place in the second round with a commanding performance against China's Xiaochen Zong. Having witnessed the impressive debut of fellow German player Kai Gotthardt just the day before, Pietreczko stepped up to the oche with confidence, finishing the match with a smooth 3-0 scoreline, showcasing his prowess with fantastic throws.
The highlight of Pietreczko's match was undoubtedly his spectacular 158 checkout, sending fans reeling with excitement and earning him the nickname "Pikachu" among his followers. "I was just focused on my game, and it felt good to put on such a performance on the world stage," Pietreczko shared after the match. The German dart sensation now looks forward to his next challenge, facing off against young Dutch player Gian van Veen, scheduled for December 23 at 20:15 local time. Fans can catch all the action live via streamed coverage.
Meanwhile, Xiaochen Zong, his Chinese opponent, was left searching for his first win after five appearances at this prestigious championship. The competition is always fierce, as competitors strive for glory on the world stage, but Zong couldn't quite find his footing this time around.
While Pietreczko’s victory added excitement to the day, another story captured fans’ attention. It was the dramatic debut of Noa-Lynn van Leuven, who made history by becoming the first transgender woman to play at the Darts World Championship. Despite her hopes of making waves on her historical outing, she faced tough competition against compatriot Kevin Doets, eventually losing the match 3-1. Van Leuven started strong, even leading after hitting a stunning Shanghai finish.
Hopes were high for van Leuven when she not only secured the first set but displayed her formidable skills throughout the match. She even put herself on course for a perfect nine-darter before the final throw missed the triple 20. “Every time you step up, it’s just you and the board,” she reflected about her mindset before stepping up against the competition. Despite the defeat, she received immense support from notable figures, including darting legend Michael van Gerwen, proving to be her allies amid the pressure of such personal significance.
Another noteworthy match included the battle between Fallon Sherrock and Ryan Meikle, where Sherrock initially took the lead, only to see Meikle rally back with two straight sets and finish the game 3-2. Sherrock’s determination to equalize and make her mark was evident, but it wasn't meant to be as she fell short, leading to disappointment after having initially led the match.
Add to this drama the surprising first appearance of Bahamian player Rashad Sweeting. Though he provided some excitement by winning the first set, his debut pointed to more learning than glory as Jeffrey de Graaf took control and finished with a 3-1 win. Sweeting's performance undoubtedly marks the beginning of his darting career, reflecting the ever-expanding reach of darts as more players from diverse backgrounds enter the fold.
On December 17, the matches showcased several incredible moments, but for many, the day was remembered for its high level of competition and unexpected turns. With the likes of James Hurrell winning swiftly against Jim Long with another 3-0 score, the buzz around the tournament grew. Ryan Joyce also showcased his dominance, outplaying Darius Labanauskas 3-1 without any significant hiccups, underlining the unpredictable nature of the championship where the stakes are razor-sharp.
Taking the sense of camaraderie and mutual respect evident among the athletes, the Darts WM 2025 continues to draw interest from fans and participants alike, setting the stage for more thrilling encounters. The outcome of these matches speaks to the personalities and sportsmanship many admire within the community as darts continue to grow, capturing the spirit of both competition and unity.
