Two-time champion Peter Wright was knocked out of this year’s World Darts Championship by Germany’s Arno Merk after an enchanting Tuesday afternoon at Alexandra Palace.
In his debut, Merck averaged 92 points and completed 122 with a 47 per cent checkout success, scoring an impressive win for the 55-year-old and setting up a potential third-round clash with three-time champion Michael van Gerwen.
“I’m surprised. I can’t believe it. I just won against a legend. I’m very happy. I started training six months ago and now I’m earning my job,” said Merck, who secured his qualification by winning the PDC Europa Super League in November.
“This means everything to me. I have a lot of support and I’m very proud to make them proud. If I play like this, I can be dangerous for everyone.”
Wright took his trademark festive walk-on, but Merck fired a stunning 122 finish to take the first set in straight legs with a meager 0/4 in doubles and an average of 78.6.
In the first two sets, he conceded just one leg and led 2-0, ending Wright’s hopes of winning.
And the world No. 166, who defeated Belgium’s Kim Huybrecht in the first round, lost just two legs and scored 81 points in a “snake bite” defeat, with the Scot averaging just 79.20 points.
tape story
Rydz, Wattimena and Meikle all won for their thrillers.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Darryl Gurney and Callan Liz played a quality tie-break in their World Championship second round match
In another thrilling Ally Pally match, Karan Liz defeated Darryl Gurney 3-2 with a late-set explosion.
‘The Riot’ overtook World Cup winner Gurney with eight maximum points and two 167 checkouts.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Liz had these two amazing 167 finishes while competing against Gurney…
Liz, a former two-time world championships quarter-finalist, fought back tears as she worried about her sick grandfather, telling Sky Sports:
“He sent me a message and asked if I was okay. I get emotional thinking about it. I don’t know what to say.
“It’s confusing, but Ally Pally is a great place to play.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Jermaine Wattimena defeated Scott Williams in dramatic fashion!
Jermaine Wattimena averaged 96 and hit the 180s five times, posting a high checkout of 91 and winning 3-2 against Scott Williams.
Watimena completed a quality first set, scoring 91 in the deciding leg for a calm average of 102.4, before doubling his advantage with another 11-dart leg and taking control of the contest.
However, ‘Shaggy’ won six legs on a spin and brought the showdown to a deciding set.
However, it was “Machine Gun” Watimena who punished his opponent who made a crucial dart mistake in doubles and wiped it out.
Sky Sports’ Glen Durrant said: “Watimena vs Williams was a great match, they played at great pace. Watimena showed his class in the end.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Ryan Meikle once again fought back to defeat Johnny Tata after Ally Pally’s Thriller!
Ipswich star Ryan Meikle fought back from two sets down to cross the victory line against New Zealand pitcher Jonny Tata.
“The Barber” averaged 86, hit two 180s, and hit a high checkout of 64, advancing to the third round for the first time in his career and scoring a stunning come-from-behind victory.
“The noise was unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed,” Meikle said. “My family said I didn’t cry on my wedding day, I didn’t cry when my son was born, so to cry after winning a game here at Ally Pally shows what that means. It’s like I’m gone.”
MVG, Anderson and Rock headline Tuesday night
Michael van Gerwen faces tough test with William O’Connor
Michael van Gerwen will face William O’Connor for a spot in the third round, while Gary Anderson will take on Connor Scutt.
Dutch number two Danny Knoppert will take on debutant Justin Hood, while Northern Ireland’s World Cup champion Josh Locke will take on Australian Joe Comito.
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match live exclusively on Sky Sports’ dedicated darts channel (Sky channel 407 from 10 December on Sky Channel 407) until 3 January. Stream darts and other top sports now.
