Story perspectives

Darts Upsets: Gurney, Searle Shine at World Championship

12/21/2025

Summary

Gurney Triumphs at Championship

Daryl Gurney, a professional darts player, defeated Beau Greaves 3-2 at the PDC World Championship.
Ricardo Pietreczko eliminated Dave Chisnall, who hit 11 180s but missed a match dart in the final set, as Pietreczko averaged 88.58.
Motomu Sakai, a professional darts player, lost 3-0 to Andreas Harrysson.
Ryan Searle, a professional darts player, defeated Brendan Dolan in straight sets to advance.
James Hurrell, a professional darts player, upset Dirk van Duijvenbode 3-2.

Summary

Darts Upsets Unfold

World number eight Chris Dobey was eliminated in the PDC World Darts Championship second round, losing 3-1 to Andrew Gilding, who posted a personal-best average of 99.01.
Four seeded players were eliminated in the second round, including Michael Smith, who lost 3-1 to Niels Zonneveld.
Stephen Bunting defeated Nitin Kumar, the first Indian to win a match in the tournament, and will face James Hurrell, who upset Dirk van Duijvenbode.

History

Historical Context

The inaugural PDC World Darts Championship in 1994 marked a significant shift in professional darts, following the split from the British Darts Organisation in 1993. Featuring 32 players, including Eric Bristow and Phil Taylor, the event established the Professional Darts Corporation. Since then, the championship has grown in prestige, with a prize fund reaching £2.5 million in 2019, reflecting darts' rising global popularity.

1 of 3

Gurney Triumphs at Championship

Daryl Gurney, a professional darts player, defeated Beau Greaves 3-2 at the PDC World Championship.
Ricardo Pietreczko eliminated Dave Chisnall, who hit 11 180s but missed a match dart in the final set, as Pietreczko averaged 88.58.
Motomu Sakai, a professional darts player, lost 3-0 to Andreas Harrysson.
Ryan Searle, a professional darts player, defeated Brendan Dolan in straight sets to advance.
James Hurrell, a professional darts player, upset Dirk van Duijvenbode 3-2.

1 / 3