Ryan Joyce has made headlines by advancing to the last 32 at the PDC World Darts Championship, marking his return to this prestigious tournament for the first time since his impressive debut back in 2019. Joyce, known as 'Relentless,' showcased significant resilience during his match against former UK Open champion Danny Noppert.
The match, which took place at the iconic Alexandra Palace (Ally Pally) located in London, was not short on drama. After Noppert snagged the first set, Joyce fought back valiantly, reeling off three consecutive sets to claim the match 3-1.
Reflecting on his performance, Joyce shared his relief at progressing, stating, "I'm really happy to get through. That game was really tough. I know Danny didn't play his best game but I really struggled early on, so I'm delighted to have found a little bit extra in the next few sets to get through the game," during his post-match press conference.
Joyce also admitted feeling fortunate to have won the second set, as he noted, "I thought I was lucky to win the second set; he missed doubles to go 2-0 and then I thought: 'This is your lucky day. He's let you off, you've got to punish him now, and I pulled out a few really good shots at the right time." His ability to capitalize on Noppert's missteps was pivotal for his victory.
Despite his success, Joyce remains humble and aware of the competitive nature of the sport. "I can add 20 points to my average when I'm playing really. But compared to the very top players like Luke Humphries and Luke Littler, those really top players, they produce it a lot more regularly than I do," he explained. This statement underlines his acknowledgment of the current elite level within the competition.
Looking forward, Joyce remained optimistic about his prospects. He emphasized, "I'm still dangerous in this competition. I can produce performance for a one-off game maybe and put out some really good players if I'm on top form." His confidence is backed by recent impressive performances on television, but he is well aware of the need for consistency.
Joyce's focus is not just on the competition but also on enjoying the holiday season. He remarked, "I'm just going to relax and enjoy Christmas now. I'm not going to think about the darts until I come back down here." His decision to take time off reflects his dedication to maintaining balance between his professional endeavors and personal life.
With his victory against Noppert, Joyce will face either 20th seed Ryan Searle or Canadian number one Matt Campbell in the next round. This advancement marks not only a significant personal achievement but also highlights the competitive nature of the PDC World Darts Championship. Fans and commentators alike will be eagerly watching Joyce's progress as he seeks to uphold his title of 'Relentless' and shine through the intense competition of the darts world.
