In a thrilling turn of events at the World Darts Championship, Dave Chisnall faced an unexpected exit after a nail-biting final-leg defeat to Ricky Evans. The night also witnessed former champion Rob Cross eliminated in a shocking session at Alexandra Palace.
Chisnall began strong, taking the first set, but found himself trailing 2-1 as the match progressed. He fought back, pushing the match into a final set where both players narrowly escaped elimination with match darts.
Evans executed a stunning 110 checkout to gain the lead before Chisnall rallied from a critical miscount during a ton-plus finish to maintain his throw. Ultimately, ‘Rapid Ricky’ clinched the last leg, sending Chisnall packing and securing a significant upset.
The evening session was packed with surprises as Daryl Gurney narrowly defeated Florian Hempel and previous youth champion Gian Van Veen fell to Ricardo Pietreczko. Rob Cross was bested by Scott Williams in the final contest, marking his exit as the 14th seed eliminated in the second round—a new record for this championship stage.
High Stakes and Bold Moves
Evans brought festive spirit to the match with his Christmas-themed attire, but it was Chisnall who took initial control with a quick break. A counter from Evans, including a bold 126 checkout, kept the match tense. The players exchanged leads through several sets, culminating in a dramatic closing where both missed potential match-dart opportunities.
In the chaotic final leg, Evans found his mark with a 52 finish to seal an emotional victory celebrations that followed were palpable, highlighting the intensity and unpredictability of the tournament.
Gurney’s Determination and Cross’s Disappointment
Daryl Gurney’s journey wasn’t without hardship as he trailed against Hempel. However, a phenomenal 156 checkout transformed the match momentum. After a gripping back-and-forth, Gurney emerged victorious, preparing to face the seventh seed, Jonny Clayton, in the next round. Rob Cross’s exit echoed disappointment as he was unable to convert several key finishing opportunities against Scott Williams.
Upcoming Challenges
The World Darts Championship resumes after the festive season on December 27, featuring a series of consecutive sessions at Alexandra Palace. Notable clashes ahead include World No. 1 Luke Humphries against Nick Kenny, with other compelling matchups set to unfold.
With the tournament poised for exciting developments, fans anticipate the return of dynamic play and surprising outcomes as the competition heats up in the final days.
