Ryan Joyce made headlines at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship with his nail-biting 4-3 victory over fellow Englishman Ryan Searle at Alexandra Palace. The match was marked by dramatic shifts, showcasing Joyce's determination and skill as he advanced to the last 16 of the tournament.
The opening set was tightly contested, with both players exchanging legs before Joyce finally took the first set, starting strong with 1-0. Searle, known for his resilience, did not back down easily. The second set saw another close battle, but Joyce capitalized on Searle's missed opportunities, breaking his throw to push the score to 2-0.
But Searle, ranked 20th, was just warming up. He seized control of the third set with some incredible darts, even hitting five perfect darts at the start of the leg. He leveled the contest to 2-1 with relentless precision, showcased by his 65 checkout. With momentum on his side, Searle continued to put pressure on Joyce and soon brought the match to 2-2 by winning the fourth set.
From there, it was all about psychological endurance. Although Searle appeared to hold the advantage with higher averages, Joyce demonstrated his poise. He refocused during the interval, demonstrating renewed vigor as he charged through the fifth set at a rapid pace, outscoring Searle decisively.
Yet, the drama was far from over. The sixth set was equally charged, with Searle evoking intense pressure, leveling it at three sets each and pushing the contest to its limits. At one moment, Searle had the chance to clinch victory but missed the opportunity at double tops. Joyce, sensing the turning tide, delivered under pressure, maintaining perfection on multiple checkouts.
"I have not got the scoring power consistently to compete with Luke, but I can hit the doubles, so I’ll go...thinking I can win. I’ll also feel like I’m the underdog, but we’ve seen...the favourite doesn’t always win. Otherwise, it would be boring to watch, wouldn’t it?" Joyce observed about his next potential matchup against the 17-year-old ace Luke Littler, should Littler best Ian White later on.
On the flip side, Nathan Aspinall secured his own spot among the last 16 contenders with an impressive 4-0 victory over Andrew Gilding. While Aspinall did not feel he played his best, he still showcased marked improvement, particularly with his finishing which had plagued him earlier this season. His remarks captured his mindset: "I don’t care about averages and numbers – I’m in the last 16...If I get the scoring going with my finishing, I’m tough to beat."
Aspinall's victory sets the stage for him to face Ricardo Pietreczko, who defeated Scott Williams 4-1. With both Joyce and Aspinall displaying remarkable talent and grit, the upcoming matches promise to be thrilling showcases of resilience and skill.
Joyce's recent win also nudges him closer to the top 32 rankings and validates his long-term goals. He remarked, "I’ve never checked anything like...it’s nice to achieve [being among the top 32]. But there’s still a lot of work to do before you talk about me...some of the wonderful players above me." Despite the intense competition, Joyce feels invigorated as he prepares for the next round.
With lucrative prize funds on the line, totaling £2,500,000 with £500,000 earmarked for the winner, every dart thrown carries weight. Searle will take home £25,000 as he exits at the third round stage, but his determination and fighting spirit were evident throughout the contest.
The PDC World Darts Championship has already delivered excitement, and with Joyce aiming for upset victories against rising stars like Littler, the rest of the tournament holds ample promise for unforgettable moments.
