Darts Drama Unfolds at the World Championship: Upsets, Comebacks, and a Legend's Struggle
The World Darts Championship kicked off with a bang, delivering heart-stopping moments and unexpected twists that left fans on the edge of their seats. But here's where it gets controversial: Could Michael van Gerwen's reign be in jeopardy after a nail-biting first-round encounter? The three-time champion, Michael van Gerwen, narrowly escaped a monumental upset against Japan's Mitsuhiko Tatsunami, securing a 3-1 victory that belied the true drama of the match. For 20 thrilling minutes, Tatsunami, at 52 years young, threatened to pull off one of the tournament's most shocking upsets, showcasing a charismatic performance that had him on the brink of a 2-0 lead. Van Gerwen, who hasn't faltered in the first round at Alexandra Palace since 2011, appeared to regain control, but Tatsunami's resilience nearly forced a deciding set. The Dutchman's relief was palpable when his opponent missed the crucial darts, allowing him to advance—but not without a scare.
Van Gerwen's year has been marred by personal challenges, including a divorce, which have undeniably impacted his form. Despite his pre-tournament bravado, claiming he's the player favorite Luke Littler wouldn't want to face, his performance suggests he'll need to significantly step up his game if he aims to contend for a fourth world title. And this is the part most people miss: Even legends like Van Gerwen are not immune to the pressures of life outside the oche. 'It was really difficult, and I know what happened,' he admitted post-match. 'When you put yourself under pressure, it doesn’t make it any easier. I wasn’t afraid of his scoring, but when you don’t perform to your potential, you frustrate yourself and have to confront your own demons. I shouldn’t have let it get to that point—he made me work incredibly hard.'
Meanwhile, Fallon Sherrock's quest for another World Championship win hit another roadblock as she fell to Dave Chisnall in a 3-0 defeat. Sherrock, who revolutionized the sport by becoming the first woman to win at Alexandra Palace five years ago, has struggled to replicate that success in recent years, exiting in the first round in 2022, 2023, 2024, and now 2025. Her match against Chisnall was marred by severe double trouble, with Sherrock missing 19 attempts to close out legs despite matching her opponent's scoring power. In a lighter moment, she playfully mimicked her ex-boyfriend Cameron Menzies' recent on-stage outburst, jokingly shaking the drinks table—a far cry from Menzies' table-punching incident earlier in the week.
But here's a thought-provoking question: Has Sherrock's trailblazing success opened doors for others at the expense of her own momentum? With a record five women competing in this year’s first round, her legacy is undeniable, but her personal struggles on the big stage continue to spark debate.
The day also saw triumphs for newcomers and underdogs. Japanese debutant Motomu Sakai became an instant fan favorite with his eccentric walk-on routine, complete with exuberant dance moves and high-fives for the crowd, before cruising to a 3-0 victory over Thibault Tricole. Meanwhile, Kenyan debutant David Munyua delivered one of the tournament's biggest shocks, rallying from 2-0 down to defeat 18th seed Mike De Decker 3-2. Munyua, a veterinarian by trade, made history as the first Kenyan to win at Alexandra Palace—and on his first-ever visit to London. 'It is amazing. I was not expecting it, I am happy about it,' he shared in his on-stage interview.
Other notable winners included Krzysztof Ratajski, Jermaine Wattimena, Ryan Joyce, and Callan Rydz, each advancing with solid performances. But here's where it gets controversial: As the tournament progresses, will the underdogs continue to dominate headlines, or will the established stars like Van Gerwen find their footing? And what does Sherrock's ongoing struggle mean for the future of women in darts? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Van Gerwen can reclaim his dominance, or is a new era of darts upon us?
