A stunned silence fell over Alexandra Palace on Sunday as former champion Gerwyn Price suffered a shocking 3-0 defeat at the hands of Wesley Plaisier. The upset reverberated through the arena, a stark contrast to Price’s confident predictions just days before.
Plaisier, a player previously unknown for deep tournament runs, delivered a masterclass in composure and precision. He systematically dismantled Price, leaving the Welshman reeling and heading home for the holidays far earlier than anticipated.
Despite averaging a respectable 95.83, Price was uncharacteristically off-target. Plaisier, however, seized the opportunity, converting an impressive 56% of his double attempts, including a spectacular 130 checkout that cemented his dominance.
The victory propels Plaisier into the last 32, where he will face Krzysztof Ratajski. For Price, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow, especially considering his bold declaration after winning his first-round match against Adam Gawlas: “I am winning, honest, I’m not losing.”
In a gracious post on social media, Price acknowledged his subpar performance. He extended his congratulations to Plaisier and wished all remaining competitors well, signaling a temporary retreat from the spotlight until 2026.
Plaisier, overwhelmed with emotion, struggled to articulate the magnitude of his achievement. “I still cannot believe it,” he confessed, his voice brimming with joy. “This is my biggest victory ever, I think.”
He admitted to battling intense nerves throughout the match, but ultimately credited his ability to remain calm under pressure for securing the win. The unexpected triumph, he confessed, surpassed even his own expectations.
Coming into the tournament, Price was considered a serious contender, positioned just behind the favorites, Luke Littler and Luke Humphries. He had deliberately distanced himself from pre-tournament chatter, choosing to focus on his own game and unwavering belief in his ability to win.
Yet, on this particular night, that belief wasn’t enough. Plaisier’s exceptional performance exposed vulnerabilities and delivered a stunning reminder that in the world of darts, and in sport generally, anything can happen.
The win wasn’t simply a victory for Plaisier; it was a testament to the unpredictable drama that makes the World Darts Championship so captivating. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated surprise, etched into the history of the tournament.
