Welsh darts player Gerwyn Price has suffered a defeat in the second round of the World Darts Championship against Wesley Plaisier. Plaisier, who had never advanced beyond round two at Alexandra Palace, delivered a standout performance, outplaying Price throughout the match.
Plaisier, known for his imposing presence, displayed remarkable composure, hitting nine out of 16 double attempts while Price struggled to secure only four legs in the entire game. The Dutch underdog dominated the reigning 2021 World Champion from start to finish, denying Price the opportunity to win even a single set.
The unexpected victory for Plaisier has shifted the dynamics of the tournament, especially for 18-year-old Luke Littler, who was anticipating a matchup against Price in the quarter-finals. With Price’s early elimination, a clearer path seems to be emerging for Littler, as several other seeded players like Joe Cullen, Chris Dobey, and Ryan Joyce have also been ousted in the second round.
Price, the ninth seed, was heavily favored to win comfortably but was outplayed by Plaisier, who took control of the match from the beginning with impressive darts, including a remarkable 130 checkout. Despite Price’s resurgence in the final set, where he showcased his best performance, Plaisier maintained his dominance, ultimately clinching victory with a composed finish.
In a surprising turn of events, the crowd at Ally Pally started rallying behind Price towards the end of the match, creating a tense atmosphere. However, Plaisier’s steady play and Price’s missed opportunities allowed the Dutch player to secure the win, advancing to the next round where he will face Welsh star David Davies.
The PDC World Darts Championship commenced on December 11, offering fans the chance to watch every match live exclusively through Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for an immersive viewing experience.