van Veen Advances, Smith Stumbles: Early Upsets at the 2025 PDC World Championship
the 2025 PDC World championship at Alexandra Palace is already delivering drama. European Champion Gian van Veen secured his place in the second round, finally breaking through his previous first-round hurdles. However, a meaningful upset saw 12th seed Ross Smith eliminated by debutant Andreas Harrysson. Let’s break down the key results and what thay mean for the tournament.
Van Veen Overcomes Reyes in a Test of Nerves
Expectations are understandably high for the young Dutch star, Gian van Veen, following a stellar 2025. Having fallen at the first hurdle in his two prior appearances at the iconic venue, this victory over Cristo Reyes was a crucial confidence boost.
The match wasn’t without its challenges.Van Veen initially appeared tense, but found his rhythm, averaging 98.91 overall. He secured a 3-1 win, demonstrating resilience and a growing comfort on the world’s biggest darts stage.
Here’s a set-by-set look at the match:
* Set 1: A tight affair, showcasing Van Veen’s battling qualities.
* Set 2: A significant surge in performance, averaging 107, to establish a 2-0 lead.
* Set 3: Reyes fought back, highlighted by a stunning 167 checkout.
* Set 4: Despite a break from Reyes, Van Veen dug deep to close out the match.
“Finally across that line,” Van Veen told Sky Sports, acknowledging the pressure. “today, walking on this stage, you feel like a 16-year-old again – I was so nervous! But as soon as the first darts went in, I was like ‘OK, you belong here’.” This self-awareness and ability to manage nerves will be vital as the tournament progresses.
Shock Exit for Ross Smith
The biggest story of the evening was undoubtedly Ross Smith’s 3-2 defeat to 50-year-old Andreas Harrysson. The Swedish debutant played with remarkable composure, capitalizing on Smith’s missed opportunities.
smith squandered six match darts in the fourth set, a costly lapse in concentration. Harrysson seized the momentum, winning the deciding set 3-1 and delivering a stunning upset. This result underscores the unpredictable nature of the World Championship and the dangers of complacency.
Other Notable Results
The evening session also featured cozy wins for:
* Ricky Evans (England): A 3-0 victory over Man Lok Leung (Hong Kong).
* Damon Heta (Australia): A 3-1 win against Steve Lennon (Ireland).
These results demonstrate the global reach of professional darts and the competitive depth of the field.
What Does This Mean for the Tournament?
These early results signal a possibly wide-open tournament. Van Veen’s victory confirms his status as a genuine contender, but Smith’s exit serves as a warning to the higher-seeded players. The pressure of the Alexandra Palace stage, combined with the increasing skill level of players from around the world, means that no match can be taken for granted.
Recent Trends in PDC world Championship Upsets: Data from the past three World Championships (2022-2024) shows a consistent increase in first and second-round upsets. https://www.pdc.tv/news/world-championship This trend is attributed to the growing professionalism of the sport and the emergence of talented players from previously underrepresented regions.
Evergreen Insights: The Psychology of Darts at Alexandra Palace
alexandra Palace isn’t just a venue; it’s a crucible of pressure. The raucous atmosphere, the intense scrutiny, and the weight of expectation can substantially impact a player’s performance.
Here are some key psychological factors at play:
* Stage Fright: Even seasoned professionals can experience anxiety when walking onto the stage.
* Crowd Influence: The crowd can be both a source of energy and a distraction.
* Pressure to Perform: The World Championship represents the pinnacle of
