The 2024 PDC World Darts Championship has had its fair share of surprises and dramatic exits, particularly affecting the German darts players competing at London’s Alexandra Palace. The tournament, which began on December 15 and will run through January 3, 2025, has seen the hopes of German fans dashed as two of their stars were eliminated during the early rounds.
Gabriel Clemens, the most prominent German player and known as the 'German Giant,' faced off against Welshman Robert Owen. Despite advancing to the second round thanks to his standing as the 27th seed, Clemens experienced difficulty and fell to Owen with a disappointing score of 3-1. After struggling to find his groove, his double success rate plummeted to just 13 percent after the first two sets, allowing Owen to capitalize on Clemens' missteps. Although Clemens fought back to win the third set, he could not hold his momentum, losing the fourth set convincingly.
"I found them fantastic. They were very respectful," Owen described the enthusiastic German crowd after his victory. This early exit was particularly heartbreaking for Clemens, who had previously made his mark by reaching the semifinals two years ago, solidifying his status among the world's elite players.
Niko Springer, the second German dart player to bow out, faced Scott Williams, and, unlike Clemens, he left the stage with his head held high. The 24-year-old debutant played impressively but lost 3-1, utilizing solid scoring but falling short on hitting doubles. His performance included seven 180s, the highest number for any German player so far, showcasing his potential for future competitions.
Springer’s average score of 98.93 marks the third-best performance by any German player in the history of the PDC World Darts Championship, just shy of Clemens’ 99.94 average two years ago. "I felt good on the stage, even if I struggled with the noise initially,” he reflected post-match, highlighting his positives amid disappointment. Looking forward, Springer plans to fully embrace his professional darts career after stepping back from his role as a judicial clerk, aiming to solidify his place on the tour.
The tournament's excitement didn’t stop with the Germans. The reigning world champion, Michael Smith,’s shocking exit has been the talk of the tournament. The former champion faced Kevin Doets, ranked 51st, who successfully overcame Smith with a dramatic 3-2 win, marking one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far.
Despite Smith’s strong start where he took the first set, he faltered as Doets managed to muster resilience and equalize the match after Smith appeared poised for victory. The match reached its climax during the deciding fifth set, where the fate fluctuated with each player's attempt to secure the win. Doets eventually clinched victory, hitting the bullseye for the deciding dart. "It is unbelievable. This will be the best Christmas of my life," the 26-year-old Dutchman celebrated, reflecting on the magnitude of his victory which propels him to the next stage.
Fans are buzzing with the possibility of new talent shaking up the established order, especially considering Springer's promising debut and Doets' stunning upset victory. The tournament itself has garnered significant attention, drawing crowds embracing the vibrant atmosphere, as darts fans eagerly anticipate what’s next.
Aside from the surprising outcomes for Smith and the German players, other matches continue to thrill audiences. Mensur Suljovic, another returning player, lost his opener to Canadian Matt Campbell 3-2. Campbell will now face Ryan Searle, as the competition intensifies.
With many matches yet to be played, the excitement at the Ally Pally promises to continue, as the tournament blurs lines and expectations, with each game bringing its surprises. The PDC World Darts Championship tradition remains unwavering, drawing thousands who come together to cheer, celebrate, and sometimes mourn for their favorite players. The quest for the coveted title continues, with the world watching and waiting to see who will rise to dominate at this storied event.
