Wesley Plaisier delivered a major upset at the 2026 World Championship in darts, defeating 2021 champion Gerwyn Price in the second round with a dominant performance.
Ranked 92nd in the PDC, Plaisier overcame the ninth seed in straight sets (3-0), averaging over 94 points per three darts. Converting nine of sixteen double attempts proved crucial to his victory, which he described as vital in a post-match interview.
The third set was particularly dramatic, reaching 2-2 in legs. Plaisier had the prospect to close out the leg and the match but missed two darts. price failed to capitalize, and Plaisier secured the win on his next attempt.
VIDEO: Final darts of the match Wesley plaisier – Gerwyn Price
“I was nervous at the end, especially when I had 58 left. The crowd was also a bit against me, I was shaking. he missed two darts for a double and I’m glad that I used the first dart afterwards,” plaisier said. “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.”
Plaisier will face Krzysztof Ratajski in the third round, after Ratajski defeated Ryan Joyce 3-1. This presents a importent opportunity for both players to reach the quarter-finals, following the earlier elimination of last year’s semi-finalist Chris Dobey.
Price, who was defending his quarter-final appearance, entered the tournament as a favorite and was confident after defeating Adam Gawlas. Though, this result marked his worst World Championship performance as 2019.
“I’m absolutely devastated. The support I’ve received has been amazing. While Wesley has been great in key moments, I’ve been fully out of it,” Price posted on Instagram.
He wished good luck to the remaining players and extended Merry Christmas and Happy New Year wishes to the fans.
A potential quarter-final clash between Price and Luke littler will not materialize, as the 18-year-old Englishman remains in contention, having defeated David davies 3-0 without dropping a set – also thanks to a 145 checkout.
Worth a look