James Wade made a winning start to his bid for an elusive maiden World Darts Championship title, as former champion Raymond van Barneveld crashed out at the Alexandra Palace.
Wade – a two-time major TV finalist this year – had lost each of his previous three World Darts Championship matches but avoided making another early exit with a straight-sets victory over Japan’s Ryusei Azemoto.
‘The Machine’ dropped just one leg during a dominant display, where he barely needed to get out of first gear on his way to a first victory on the Alexandra Palace stage since his run to the semi-finals in the 2022 edition.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
James Wade gives his reaction after beating Ryusei Azemoto and ending his losing streak on the Alexandra Palace stage
Wade posted a 94.75 average and now faces a second-round showdown with Ricky Evans, while Van Barneveld – a five-time world champion – was dumped out in straight sets by Switzerland’s Stefan Bellmont.
Van Barneveld struggles in first-round thrashing
The fans’ favourite received a warm welcome from the Ally Pally crowd ahead of his record-equalling 33rd World Championship appearance and opened with a tidy 14-dart hold, only to quickly fall behind in a one-sided contest.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Raymond van Barneveld’s walk-on proved popular as he made his way to the Alexandra Palace stage
Bellmont responded with his own 14-darter to spark a run of eight consecutive legs, including a 96 checkout at the start of the second set, with impressive finishing seeing him pull clear of the Dutchman.
Van Barneveld offered brief hope by taking out an 80 finish to hold throw, only for Bellmont to close out victory in the next leg to become the first Swiss player to win at the event.
Raymond van Barneveld suffered a first-round exit from the World Darts Championship
The 58-year-old is set to fall down the PDC Order of Merit after his first-round exit, with questions now being raised about how much longer Van Barneveld – who hasn’t reached the quarter final at the World Championship since 2018 – will continue to compete at the highest level.
“I don’t want to kick a player when he’s down, but he didn’t look happy up there,” former Premier League champion Glen Durrant told Sky Sports. “Father time catches up on you – it’s difficult that longevity. That’s why I admire players who have been around such a long time.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Glen Durrant discusses what is next for Raymond van Barneveld after his disappointing early exit from the Worlds
“To see a great, an icon, the guy who set off Dutch darts to where it’s now, it’s tough to see. I hope Barney bounces back but it’s very difficult when you’re in that downward trajectory.”
Wade breezes through to end Ally Pally losing streak
The seventh seed quickly took control of his contest by opening with a 15-darter and breaking Azemoto in the next, then responded to his opponent taking out an 80 finish by wrapping the opening set with an 87 checkout.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Ryusei Azemoto made a memorable entrance to his match against James Wade
Wade raced through the second set in straight legs, opening with a 100 finish on tops and scrappily holding throw in the next after wayward finishing from both players, then raced through the third in similar fashion to avoid a first-round exit.
“I’m really happy,” Wade told Sky Sports. “Tonight showed the practice I’ve been doing. It wasn’t spectacular but when I needed to hit something and do something, it happened.
Wade outscored Azemoto in their first-round clash
“I have felt better coming here, but have also felt a lot worse. He [Ricky Evans in round two] will have to play well to beat me. I will have to play well to beat him. He knows my abilities, and I know his. We will see how it goes.”
More to follow…
What’s coming up on Thursday?
Last year’s quarter-finalist Callan Rydz kicks off Thursday’s double session when he faces Patrik Kovacs, before Thibault Tricole plays Motomu Sakai and Ryan Joyce – who took Luke Littler to a final-set decider in last year’s fourth-round clash – takes on Owen Bates.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
From celebratory kebabs to winning his first World Darts Championship title, we look at Luke Littler’s top five moments at Ally Pally
Former World Grand Prix champion Mike de Decker rounds off the afternoon session against David Munyua, while Jermaine Wattimena starts the evening action against Dominik Gruellich ahead of Dave Chisnall playing ‘Queen of the Palace’ Fallon Sherrock.
Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen headlines day eight and begins his tournament against Mitsuhiko Tatsunami, a year on from a runner-up finish to Littler, before Krzysztof Ratajski goes up against Alexis Toylo in the final match of the night.
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match exclusively live all the way through until Saturday January 3 on Sky Sports’ dedicated darts channel. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.
