The PDC Pro Tour in Wigan delivered a whirlwind of unexpected results and thrilling darts. Major champion Gerwyn Price suffered a shocking early exit, while former champions like Dimitri Van den Bergh faced worrying struggles. Amidst the chaos, some players shone brightly, proving that in the unpredictable world of professional darts, no victory is guaranteed and every match is a battle for survival. Read on for a deep dive into the drama!
The Unpredictable Pro Tour: A Battleground for Darts Elites
The PDC Pro Tour is never dull, and its latest stop in Wigan proved no exception. Far from a predictable showcase of top talent, it was a thrilling display of upsets, comebacks, and raw sporting drama. The Robin Park venue once again hosted a Players Championship event that rattled reputations and defied all expectations.
Major Shocks Rock the Tournament
The tournament wasted no time in delivering its first major surprise. Multi-PDC major champion Gerwyn Price, known as ‘The Iceman’, was sensationally knocked out in the very first round. He fell 6-2 to Adam Lipscombe, a result that sent shockwaves through the venue. While Lipscombe, nicknamed ‘Baby Boy’, showed impressive composure, few pundits would have predicted such an early exit for the Welsh superstar.
Statistically, both players had similar averages around the low 90s. However, in darts, raw numbers don’t tell the whole story. Lipscombe, still early in his professional career, displayed a sharper focus and more decisive finishing at critical moments. He seized control while Price struggled to find his rhythm, demonstrating veteran ruthlessness against one of the sport’s giants.
Van den Bergh’s Troubling Form Continues
If Price’s exit was a shock, Dimitri Van den Bergh’s continued struggles deepened concerns. ‘The Dreammaker’ suffered a humiliating 6-0 whitewash against Karel Sedlacek, averaging a dismal sub-77. This performance is particularly alarming for a player who has won major titles like the UK Open and World Matchplay.
The implications for Van den Bergh are serious. The path to losing a tour card is gradual, but his current form suggests a real danger. Without a significant turnaround in rhythm and resilience, he risks facing the unforgiving Q-School in early 2026, rather than the bright lights of televised majors.
Shining Stars Amidst the Chaos
Despite the upsets, some players delivered standout performances:
- Niels Zonneveld was a statistical marvel, achieving the highest average of the opening round with nearly 106 in his 6-3 victory over Rhys Griffin.
- Even excellent play didn’t guarantee progression for everyone. Keane Barry and Ryan Meikle both averaged over 100 but were still eliminated by Michael Smith and Canada’s Jim Long, respectively. This highlights the brutal truth of the Pro Tour: excellence alone doesn’t guarantee survival.
More Big Names Fall Early
The list of high-profile casualties continued to grow throughout the day:
- Raymond van Barneveld was defeated by Cristo Reyes with a sub-80 average, a performance he’ll undoubtedly be frustrated with, despite his more secure ranking.
- A quartet of players with PDC major titles – Ross Smith, Mike De Decker, Joe Cullen, and Peter Wright – all made surprisingly early exits. Their departures underscore the Pro Tour’s relentless level playing field, where past achievements offer no immunity.
Round Two: The Volatility Continues
The second round only intensified the drama, with more top players succumbing to the pressure:
- Gian van Veen lost to Daryl Pilgrim.
- Former world champion Michael Smith and Daryl Gurney also departed prematurely.
- Reigning world champion Luke Humphries was beaten by Ritchie Edhouse.
- Nathan Aspinall’s campaign was cut short by Bradley Brooks.
Those who chose to sit out this event – players like Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, and Gary Anderson – were spared this intense ‘carnage’. For those who survived to the last 16, it was a commendable achievement in this high-pressure, condensed-format tournament. With more events on the horizon, expect even more disorder and drama.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
