Thursday 18 December 2025 witnessed a dramatic opening day at the PDC World Darts Championship, where three-time champion Michael van Gerwen survived a monumental scare and a Kenyan debutant wrote his name into tournament folklore.
Van Gerwen's Nerve-Shredding Escape
Michael van Gerwen came perilously close to a shock first-round exit at Alexandra Palace, eventually battling past Japan's Mitsuhiko Tatsunami 3-1. The scoreline masked a tense reality, as the 52-year-old Tatsunami produced a charismatic performance that threatened one of the greatest upsets in the competition's history.
For a significant period, the Japanese qualifier had the darts to take a commanding 2-0 lead. Even after Van Gerwen appeared to steady himself, Tatsunami rallied again and had opportunities to force a deciding set. The Dutchman, who last lost in the first round at Ally Pally in 2011, was left breathing a huge sigh of relief.
Reflecting on a difficult year affected by his personal life, including a divorce, Van Gerwen admitted his performance was below par. "It was really difficult," he said. "I wasn't afraid of his scoring, but when you don't do what you are capable of then you annoy yourself... I shouldn't put myself in that position."
Historic Triumph for Kenyan Debutant
The day's biggest shock was delivered by David Munyua. The 30-year-old Kenyan, a veterinary surgeon by trade, staged a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to defeat 18th seed Mike De Decker 3-2. This victory marks the first ever win by a Kenyan player on the Alexandra Palace stage.
"It is amazing. I was not expecting it, I am happy about it," an elated Munyua said in his post-match interview. His triumph over the 2024 Grand Prix champion stands as one of the most significant surprises in the tournament's long history.
Sherrock's Ally Pally Wait Continues
There was disappointment, however, for Fallon Sherrock. The trailblazer, who famously reached the third round five years ago, saw her wait for another World Championship win continue with a 3-0 defeat to Dave Chisnall.
Despite matching the 21st seed's scoring power, Sherrock was plagued by severe double trouble, missing 19 crucial attempts at a double. The 31-year-old's loss means she has now fallen at the first hurdle in every appearance since her historic 2022 run. In a moment of light relief, she mimicked her ex-boyfriend Cameron Menzies by playfully shaking the drinks table after a missed opportunity.
Elsewhere on a busy day at Ally Pally, Japan's Motomu Sakai delighted the crowd with an eccentric walk-on before cruising to a 3-0 win over Thibault Tricole. There were also straightforward victories for Jermaine Wattimena, Ryan Joyce, and Callan Rydz as the 2025 championship got off to a thrilling and unpredictable start.
