Wesley Plaisier pulled off a stunning upset by defeating Gerwyn Price in the second round of the World Darts Championship. The Welsh player was outmatched by the Dutchman’s exceptional performance at Alexandra Palace.
Plaisier, who had never advanced beyond the second round at Alexandra Palace before facing Price, displayed remarkable composure, hitting nine out of 16 double attempts, while Price struggled and managed to secure only four legs throughout the match.
The relentless Plaisier dominated the game, preventing the 2021 World Champion from winning even a single set. Price’s unexpected defeat opened up a significant opportunity for Luke Littler, who was slated to compete against Price in the quarter-finals.
With Price’s exit, a favorable path is emerging for the 18-year-old Littler. Notably, seeded players Joe Cullen (No. 32), Chris Dobey (No. 8), and Ryan Joyce (No. 24) have all been eliminated in the second round, with Price, the No. 9 seed, being the latest casualty at this stage.
Despite Price being the anticipated favorite for a comfortable victory, Plaisier defied expectations and delivered a dominant performance. Plaisier set the tone early in the match with an impressive 130 checkout finishing on the bullseye.
Price showed resilience in the final set, showcasing his best darts when under pressure. However, Plaisier maintained his form, registering a 97.23 average. Interestingly, the crowd at Ally Pally, usually impartial, began cheering for Price, a rare sight in north London.
Acknowledging the crowd’s support with a thumbs up, Price tried to rally back, but Plaisier remained composed. Plaisier eventually capitalized on Price’s missed opportunities to secure the victory.
Looking ahead, Littler’s journey to round three depends on his upcoming match against Welsh player David Davies. Despite the challenge, Littler, the World No. 1, is heavily favored to advance.
If Littler progresses, he will face Mensur Suljovic in round three. The PDC World Darts Championship commenced on December 11, with live coverage available through Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle.