The Dutchman Wesley Plaisier made one of the biggest surprises at the 2026 WC in darts. Already in the second round, he sent the 2021 champion Gerwyn Price home after a dominant performance.
Šípkar, who is ranked 92nd in the PDC rankings, defeated the ninth seed of the tournament without losing a set (3:0) with an average of over 94 points per three darts.
In the match, he converted nine of sixteen attempts into a double, which was the key to the victory, which he called vital in the post-match interview.
The most dramatic was the third set, in which the score was 2:2 at the legs. Plaisier was the first to close the leg and the entire match, but he missed two darts. However, Price did not punish his mistake and he did not get another chance.
VIDEO: Final darts of the match Wesley Plaisier – Gerwyn Price
“I was nervous at the end, especially when I had 58 points left. The audience was also a bit against me, I was shaking. Finally, he also missed two darts for a double and I’m glad that I used the first dart afterwards.
I couldn’t imagine beating him, especially 3-0. I wanted to play a good match and win some sets. The best victories are the ones you don’t expect,” said the Dutchman at the press conference.
Price: I’m absolutely devastated
In the third round, his opponent will be the “Polish eagle” Krzysztof Ratajski, who on Sunday dealt with the local Ryan Joyce after the result 3:1.
It is a great chance for both of them to reach the quarter-finals, as last year’s semi-finalist Chris Dobey was also eliminated in this part of the tournament spider.
Price, who was defending his quarter-final appearance, was among the favorites and was full of confidence after his win over the Czech Adam Gawlas.
The Welshman said he was unbeaten at the tournament but ended up recording his worst result at the World Cup since 2019 when he also finished in the second round.
“I’m absolutely devastated. The support I’ve received has been amazing. While Wesley has been great in key moments, I’ve been completely out of it,” Price said on Instagram.
He also wished good luck to all the players who remained in the game and wished the fans a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2026.
After the draw, it was expected that Price could challenge Luke Littler in a very attractive quarter-final, but only the 18-year-old Englishman will be in action after Christmas.
The current world number one is going through the tournament without losing a set. This time too, he had a slower start, but in the end he managed 3:0 against the Welshman David Davies, also thanks to a great closing of 145 points.
The Austrian defends himself
England’s Joe Cullen took care of the controversial moment of the 11th day of play at Alexandra Palace, who had a hard time losing to Austrian Mensur Suljović. Although he started well, he left the tournament after losing 1:3.
Suljovic is known to have a slower pace and allow himself more time to concentrate at important moments. Officially, this does not violate any rules, but someone can perceive it as an attempt to throw off the opponent.
This is exactly how Cullen evaluated the situation, who very reluctantly shook his hand and subsequently accused Suljovič of cheating on social networks.
Austrian darts player Mensur Suljović is happy about his victory over Joe Cullen at the 2026 WC. (Author: TASR/ PA via AP)
“If these are darts, I don’t want to be a part of them. I’ve always liked Mensur off the mark, but this was so obvious. I don’t think I’m the only one who feels that way.
Older players will say it’s part of the game, but whatever you call it – it’s cheating,” said a participant at the Niké Darts Night exhibition.
“I never do it as a provocation, but only for my game. Everyone plays differently and I will not apologize for this,” Suljović responded at the press conference.
Littler, who will be his next opponent, also proved him right.
Damon Heta and Stefan Bellmont played the only five-set match on Sunday. The Australian, who will challenge Rob Cross in the next round, was happier. He is one of the six former world champions who are still in the game.
In addition to Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith was eliminated in the second round, and the legendary Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld did not pass the initial hurdle.
