Updated 01.15 | Published 2025-12-12 21.23
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Andreas Harrysson, 50, made a big splash and advanced in his WC debut.
But “Dirty Harry” leaves London immediately.
On Saturday, a competition awaits at home in Sweden.
The Swede is ranked 114 in the world, and in the opening match managed to defeat the Englishman Ross Smith, ranked 12th.
The victory figures were written at 3–2.
– Incredible, fantastic. I didn’t think this when I had match arrows against me, says Harrysson to Sportbladet.
Smith led 2–1 in the set and had the opportunity to decide the match on six occasions, but failed.
– Before the match I thought there was a chance, but when he had match arrows I thought it was over. Then I lifted myself up.
Going to Gothenburg tomorrow morning
When Sportbladet reaches Harrysson, he is sitting in a car on his way home to the hotel. But there will be no further celebration.
He is saving that for Saturday because already tomorrow morning he has a flight to Copenhagen, and then a drive to Gothenburg for the “Night of champions” competition.
– It will be even more fun and imaginative after this victory.
– We get up early tomorrow, take the flight, drive up to Gothenburg and then there will be a celebration there.
How do you think you will be received after a victory like this?
– I have no idea… but I think it could be quite big, he says with a laugh.
With the victory, Harrysson has secured 15,000 pounds, corresponding to approximately SEK 186,000.
– It’s always fun to get some money, but I mostly play for glory.
In the next round he will face either Thibault Tricole or Motomu Sakai.
– I take one match at a time, I do. But if I play my best game, I can go all the way, even if it’s bloody tough opposition.
Alexander Axén lyrical
Football expert and darts enthusiast Alexander Axén followed the match with excitement.
– What a damn match! Unbelievable! The calmness he has… he’s so damn good, says Axén.
He is happy that Harrysson is showing up in Gothenburg.
– It really shows what a role model for all darters in Sweden. That he chooses to come to our festival… it’s absolutely incredible.
How big a deal is this?
– Huge, he faces a player ranked number twelve. But Harrysson has a peak capacity that is incredible, and the draw puts him in a good side. With a little fluency, he can probably make it to the quarter-finals.
Andreas Harrysson plays the next round on December 20.
Other Swedes, Jeffrey de Graaf and Oskar Lukasiak, play on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
