PDC World Darts Championship LIVE: Results, scores and updates from Alexandra Palace
Peter Wright is the latest seeded player to exit early after James Wade lost earlier in the week
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Two-time winner Peter Wright crashed out of the World Darts Championship in the second round after a 3-0 defeat to Jim Williams at Alexandra Palace.
Williams, a BDO runner-up in 2020, was also far from his best in a poor quality clash, admitting afterwards: “I was fighting myself all the way and it’s a little bit frustrating – but hopefully we’ll get there.”
16-year-old Luke Littler marked his World Championship debut with a blistering 3-0 win over experienced Dutchman Christian Kist.
Littler showed no nerves as he hit seven 180s and finished with an extraordinary average of 110 to mark himself out as a genuine contender for the crown.
Also in the Wednesday evening session, Richard Veenstra eased past Ben Robb 3-0 while Ryan Joyce was a 3-1 winner over Alex Spellman.
In the afternoon, 16th seed Ross Smith eased to a 3-1 victory over Niels Zonneveld before being stung by a wasp on stage.
Meanwhile Poland’s Cork-based Radek Szaganski overcame Finland’s Marko Kantele 3-2 with a final set 142 checkout helping him through to a second-round clash with five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld.
Owen Bates lost a two-set lead as Ireland’s Steve Lennon fought back to win 3-2. Lennon’s compatriot William O’Connor had a far more comfortable time with a 3-0 victory over Bhav Patel.
Relive the action below plus find the latest tips and offers right here:
Jose de Sousa 1-2 Jeffrey de Graaf
It’s De Graaf! With the darts he takes the set now. He hits a brilliant 139 to leave 36 but he can’t find the double 9.
De Sousa has a chance at 116 but then he misses the single he needs.
De Graaf tidies up and wins a set against the throw.
Jose de Sousa 1(1) - 1(2) Jeffrey de Graaf
Jose de Sousa fights back and checks out 58 under threat from another break to keep the third set alive. De Graaf is still in a strong position though and knows a hold of throw will earn him a break.
Jose de Sousa 1(0) - 1(2) Jeffrey de Graaf
De Graaf is flying! A second 180 for him puts him of De Sousa but a 58 follow up isn’t good enough to set up a finish. He gets away with the error and leaves himself 70 to take the leg.
He hits 18, hits 20 but misses double 16. He gets another crack at the double and this time takes it out!
Jose de Sousa 1(0) - 1(1) Jeffrey de Graaf
Both opening sets went the distance. Will there be a change of fortunes as one of the players starts to take control? De Sousa will look to hold throw here as the third set gets underway.
De Graaf leaves a 170 finish after nine darts. He misses the first treble 20 but will have a chance to take out 90. He doesn’t manage it.
De Sousa misses 90 of his own too leaving 36 for De Graaf. He lands double 18 and breaks the throw!
Jose de Sousa 1-1 Jeffrey de Graaf
Jeffrey de Graaf takes the second set with a brilliant double 9 finish. All square as the players head into another break.
Jose de Sousa 1(2) - 0(2) Jeffrey de Graaf
De Sousa is insanely good at hold his own throw. He records a second 180 maximum before closing out a 138 finish with double 12 to secure the leg in 12 darts.
Jose de Sousa 1(1) - 0(2) Jeffrey de Graaf
A very surprising but pleasant thing is how confident De Graaf seems to be on his own throw. He scores well and needs the buffer that creates after missing three darts at double 8.
The pressure mounts on his next trip up as he sends his first two wide of the mark as well. Finally De Graaf lands the double and moves back ahead in the set.
Jose de Sousa 1(1) - 0(1) Jeffrey de Graaf
De Graaf has one dart at tops to nick the second leg but slides it over the top to increase the pressure on De Sousa who doesn’t seem to feel it at all.
He lands double 20 himself and holds his throw.
Jose de Sousa 1(0) - 0(1) Jeffrey de Graaf
Things pick up where they left off in the first set. Jeffrey de Graaf puts in a few good trips to the oche to leave himself with 32 as De Sousa is still in triple figures.
De Graaf nails the double 16 and takes the first leg.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments