Plaisier Whitewashes Price as Littler Marches into World Championship Last 32

One of the biggest upsets of the World Darts Championship so far unfolded in round two as Wesley Plaisier stunned former world champion and ninth seed Gerwyn Price with a dominant 3–0 victory. The Dutchman kept his nerve under pressure and sealed the win by pinning double ten in the deciding leg of the third set.

Plaisier admitted afterwards that it was the greatest win of his career, revealing he had only hoped to take a set or two before the match. Nerves were high when throwing for the match, but Price’s missed chances opened the door for a famous victory. Plaisier now moves on to face Krzysztof Ratajski in round three.

World number one Luke Littler avoided a similar fate, cruising past David Davies with another straight-sets win. Although he started slowly and survived several set darts in the opener, Littler quickly found his rhythm and took full control of the match to continue his title defence.

Rob Cross also progressed with a 3–1 victory over veteran Ian White. After a tight opening exchange, the former world champion delivered when it mattered most, producing crucial checkouts to close out the match. Cross later said winning at the World Championship is vital, even when not at his best.

Australia’s Damon Heta edged through a five-set thriller against Stefan Bellmont, recovering from setbacks to win 3–2 thanks to stronger doubling. Elsewhere, Mensur Suljovic overcame Joe Cullen 3–1 to reach the last 32 for the ninth time in his career.

Martin Schindler impressed with a 3–0 win over Keane Barry, taking every set in a deciding leg, while Ratajski defeated Ryan Joyce and Luke Woodhouse cruised to a straight-sets victory. As the tournament gathers pace, favourites continue to advance—but the shocks keep coming.