Three-time champion Michael van Gerwen narrowly avoided a seismic upset in the first round of the PDC World Darts Championship on Thursday, eventually seeing off a spirited challenge from Japan's Mitsuhiko Tatsunami.
Van Gerwen's Ally Pally Scare
The Dutchman, who has not lost in the first round at Alexandra Palace since 2011, was pushed to the brink by the charismatic 52-year-old Tatsunami. Despite the 3-1 scoreline, the match was far from straightforward. For a tense 20-minute period, Tatsunami threatened to take a 2-0 lead, captivating the crowd with his performance and raising the prospect of a historic shock.
Van Gerwen, whose year has been marred by personal issues including a divorce, looked to have steadied himself, but Tatsunami rallied again. The Japanese qualifier had darts to force a deciding set, but couldn't convert, allowing a relieved Van Gerwen to progress. "I wasn't afraid of his scoring, but when you don't do what you are capable of then you annoy yourself," Van Gerwen admitted on stage. "I shouldn't put myself in that position, he made me work really hard for that."
Sherrock's Ally Pally Hoodoo Continues
Meanwhile, Fallon Sherrock's wait for another World Championship win goes on after a 3-0 defeat to Dave Chisnall. Sherrock, who famously broke new ground by reaching the third round in 2020, has now suffered first-round exits in five consecutive appearances at Alexandra Palace (2022-2025).
The 31-year-old matched 21st seed Chisnall's scoring but was crippled by 19 missed attempts at doubles. Her frustration was evident as she lightly mimicked her ex-boyfriend Cameron Menzies by shaking the drinks table, though without the violent outcome that saw Menzies cut his hand earlier in the week.
Debutants Make Their Mark on Opening Day
The opening day at Ally Pally also witnessed memorable performances from several debutants. Japanese qualifier Motomu Sakai delighted the crowd with an eccentric walk-on routine featuring high-fives and dance moves, before cruising to a 3-0 victory over France's Thibault Tricole.
The biggest shock of the day, however, came from Kenyan debutant David Munyua. The 30-year-old veterinary surgeon came from 2-0 down to stun 18th seed and 2024 Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker 3-2, becoming the first Kenyan to win on the iconic stage. "It is amazing. I was not expecting it, I am happy about it," an elated Munyua said.
Elsewhere, there were first-round victories for Jermaine Wattimena, Ryan Joyce, and Callan Rydz as the 2025 tournament got off to a dramatic start.
