Darts professional Daryl Gurney faces a unique challenge at the Alexandra Palace this December, as he is the man standing between teenage sensation Beau Greaves and a place in the second round of the World Darts Championship. The Northern Irishman brings a wealth of major experience and an eventful career to the oche for this high-profile first-round tie.
From Breakthrough to Major Champion
Daryl Gurney first made a significant impact on the PDC circuit after securing his Tour Card in 2013. His initial breakthrough came with a run to the semi-finals of the 2015 Players Championship Finals. He did not have to wait long for his first major televised crown, claiming the 2017 World Grand Prix in Dublin with a nail-biting 5-4 victory over Simon Whitlock in the final.
Gurney cemented his status among the elite by adding a second major singles title just a year later. At the 2018 Players Championship Finals, he produced a stunning performance to defeat the then-world number one, Michael van Gerwen, in a dramatic 11-9 showdown. His consistent excellence in televised events propelled him to a career-high world ranking of number three in 2019, a year in which he also won his maiden European Tour title.
World Cup Glory and High-Profile Rivalries
In June 2025, Gurney entered the history books by winning the PDC World Cup of Darts for Northern Ireland for the very first time. Teaming up with Josh Rock, the pair secured the trophy in a thrilling final against Wales, eventually triumphing by a 10-9 margin. The climax saw Gurney hailed for his ice-cool finishing under intense pressure, as he pinned double eight in the deciding leg to defeat the Welsh pairing of Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton.
This was not the only notable interaction with Price in Gurney's career. Their rivalry has featured several heated moments, most notably a bust-up at the 2025 World Matchplay. Following a match won by Price, the pair shared a notably aggressive handshake, with reports suggesting Gurney attempted to confront his opponent backstage afterwards.
Despite the visible friction, Gurney later moved to clarify the situation, stating there was no lasting bad blood. He revealed the two had settled their differences privately and even shared a light-hearted moment where Price jokingly put him in a headlock.
The Stage is Set for Ally Pally
All of this experience now sets the stage for Gurney's opening match at the 2025 World Darts Championship, where he will face the top female player in the game, Beau Greaves. The encounter promises to be a fascinating contest between established major pedigree and a rising star of the sport. Gurney will be aiming to use his big-stage know-how to navigate a tricky first hurdle and advance in the tournament.
The PDC World Darts Championship begins on December 11, with every match broadcast live on Sky Sports.
