The 2025 PDC World Darts Championship is off to an electrifying start at Alexandra Palace, with reigning champion Luke Humphries and several first-round stars putting on a show for the fans. Here’s a full breakdown of the action from the opening night:
Jermaine Wattimena Dominates Stefan Bellmont
The resurgence of Jermaine Wattimena continues as the Dutchman breezed past Stefan Bellmont with an impressive 3-0 victory. Wattimena’s average of 98.54 and a composed performance secured him a spot in the second round, where he’ll face James Wade on Monday.
Fresh off good runs at the European Championship, Grand Slam of Darts, and Players Championship Finals, Wattimena carried his momentum into the match. He clinched the opening set 3-1, showcasing stellar legs of 18, 13, and 14 darts. A brilliant double-double checkout in the second set further highlighted his confidence as he cruised to a 2-0 lead.
Bellmont fought valiantly in the third set, breaking throw early and forcing a deciding leg. Despite his efforts and five 180s in the contest, Bellmont’s missed double 12 for the set allowed Wattimena to capitalize, hitting tops with his second match dart to secure victory.
Thibault Tricole Secures Opening Victory
Thibault Tricole became the tournament’s first winner, defeating Australian debutant Joe Comito 3-1. The Frenchman’s composed play earned him a second-round clash against defending champion Luke Humphries later that evening.
Comito started strong, holding a throw in the first leg, but missed opportunities allowed Tricole to claim the first set. Despite struggling to find his best form, Tricole’s calm demeanor and punishing finishes, including a classy 118 checkout, helped him move into a 2-0 lead.
Comito showed resilience by taking the third set in a deciding leg, but Tricole’s focus returned in the fourth. Despite missing some key doubles, he eventually nailed double 16 to clinch the match and advance to the next round.
Keane Barry Outguns Kim Huybrechts in a 180-Fest
In a match filled with fireworks, Keane Barry overcame Kim Huybrechts 3-1 in a thrilling encounter featuring 17 maximums. Barry’s victory sets up a tantalizing second-round tie against Gerwyn Price.
Huybrechts’ experience showed early as he took the first set after recovering from six missed doubles. Barry responded in style, firing in maximums and a 108 finish to level the match.
The Irishman found his rhythm in the third set, breaking throw and taking the lead after Huybrechts narrowly missed a bullseye for a 170 checkout. With momentum, Barry sealed the fourth set with a brilliant display, nailing a double 8 to secure the win.
Luke Humphries Starts Title Defence in Style
Defending world champion Luke Humphries made a statement with a clinical 3-0 victory over Thibault Tricole. Winning nine consecutive legs, Humphries advanced to the third round, where a potential showdown with Raymond van Barneveld awaits after Christmas.
Despite a scrappy start, Humphries took advantage of Tricole’s missed doubles to claim the first set. A stunning 160 checkout in the second set further established his dominance, with Humphries taking a 2-0 lead.
The world number one continued to cruise in the third set, opening with a maximum and sealing the match on double 5. Averaging around 91, Humphries showed flashes of brilliance and a clear intent to defend his title.
What’s Next?
The opening night provided drama, big finishes, and stellar performances. With players like James Wade and Gerwyn Price awaiting their second-round matches, the action at Ally Pally is only heating up. Stay tuned as the tournament unfolds and we crown the next world champion!
Here’s the matches:
| Player A | Time (GMT+1) | Player B |
|---|---|---|
| Wesley Plaisier | 13:45 | Ryusei Azemoto |
| Luke Woodhouse | 14:45 | Lourence Ilagan |
| Alan Soutar | 15:45 | Kai Gotthardt |
| James Wade | 16:45 | Jermaine Wattimena |
| Niels Zonneveld | 20:15 | Robert Owen |
| Connor Scutt | 21:15 | Ben Robb |
| Cameron Menzies | 22:15 | Leonard Gates |
| Gerwyn Price | 23:15 | Keane Barry |
Who impressed you the most on opening night? Share your thoughts below!
Ben Evans is a passionate darts writer with a keen eye for statistics and news. With years of experience following the PDC scene, Ben brings in-depth coverage of tournaments, player performances, and emerging dart trends. Known for his detailed analysis and love for the game, he keeps fans updated with the latest stats, match insights, and memorable moments. When he’s not covering the action on the oche, Ben enjoys a game of darts, staying sharp on the sport he loves.