Full Breakdown
Chris Dobey and Alan Soutar Advance in Thrilling First Round of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship
12/16/2025, 11:39:03 PM
Dobey Survives Early Scare Against Zong Xiaochen
Chris Dobey, the eighth seed, began his campaign at the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship with a 3-1 victory over China's Zong Xiaochen at Alexandra Palace. Despite being favored, Dobey faced challenges early on, particularly with missed doubles that allowed Zong to level the match at 1-1 after the first set. Dobey's performance improved in the third set, where he showcased his scoring ability, but he continued to struggle with doubles, particularly in the fourth set. Ultimately, Dobey secured the win, setting up a second-round match against Andrew Gilding.
Soutar's Epic Battle with Harju
Alan Soutar's match against Finnish debutant Teemu Harju was marked by tension and missed opportunities, culminating in a dramatic 3-2 victory for Soutar. The match, which lasted nearly an hour and a half, saw Soutar initially dominate, taking a two-set lead without losing a leg. However, Harju fought back, capitalizing on Soutar's missed chances, including 15 match darts throughout the contest. The match reached a sudden-death leg after both players exchanged leads, with Soutar finally clinching the victory by hitting double 16 after a series of missed darts.
Performance Highlights
- Chris Dobey vs. Zong Xiaochen: Dobey averaged 92.81 with a checkout percentage of 27.8%, while Zong averaged 84.61. Dobey's ability to recover from early mistakes was crucial in his victory.
- Alan Soutar vs. Teemu Harju: Soutar averaged 90.9 and had a checkout percentage of 32.7%. Harju, in his debut, averaged 82.61 and demonstrated resilience by missing four match darts in the final set.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the matches, Dobey expressed relief at overcoming his early struggles, stating, "It was a tough match, but I managed to find my rhythm when it mattered." Soutar, reflecting on his performance, noted the pressure of missed opportunities, saying, "I was just glad to get over the line after so many missed darts."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite their victories, both players faced criticism for their inconsistency. Analysts pointed out that Dobey's early performance could be a concern moving forward in the tournament, while Soutar's inability to close out the match efficiently raised questions about his form.
What's Next
Both Dobey and Soutar will advance to the second round, with Dobey set to face Andrew Gilding and Soutar matched against Gian van Veen. The tournament continues to unfold, with more matches scheduled, including the highly anticipated clash between 2021 champion Gerwyn Price and Czech player Adam Gawlas later in the evening session.
