Gerwyn Price Crashes Out as Luke Littler Dominates

LONDON : The PDC World Darts Championship was rocked on Sunday evening as former champion Gerwyn Price suffered a humiliating straight-sets exit, while defending champion Luke Littler continued his imperious form to reach the last 32.

Price’s Title Dreams Dashed Gerwyn Price, the 2021 world champion, had entered the tournament with bold predictions of a second crown. However, the world number nine was dismantled 3-0 by Dutch underdog Wesley Plaisier. Despite Price holding a superior scoring average of 95.83, Plaisier’s clinical finishing—hitting 56% of his doubles—sealed the biggest upset of the tournament so far.

“I can’t believe it, I’m so over the moon,” said Plaisier, the world number 92. “It’s my biggest victory ever.” He now moves on to face Poland’s Krzysztof Ratajski in the third round.

Littler’s Quest for Back-to-Back Crowns World number one Luke Littler showed no signs of pressure as he swept aside Welshman David Davies 3-0. The 18-year-old phenomenon, who became the youngest ever world champion earlier this year, extended his current winning streak to 15 senior matches.

Littler capitalized on a nervous start from Davies, an NHS area manager who mistakenly tried to walk off stage mid-set, thinking the frame had concluded. Littler now prepares for a third-round clash against Mensur Suljovic—a match Suljovic reportedly predicted via text message when the draw was first released.

Other Results Elsewhere, 16th seed Damon Heta survived a scare against Swiss debutant Stefan Bellmont, winning 3-2 to set up a clash with 2018 champion Rob Cross. Martin Schindler also progressed with a 3-0 win over Keane Barry.