Can Wade's Winning Streak Continue After Van Barneveld's Shock Exit?

James Wade secured his first victory at the PDC World Darts Championship in four years with a commanding 3-0 win over Ryusei Azemoto. This impressive performance sets the stage for Wade's next match against Ricky Evans, while five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld faced an unexpected first-round exit, losing to Stefan Bellmont.

Last updated: 08 December 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

In the latest developments of the PDC World Darts Championship, Englishman James Wade has advanced to the second round after a dominant performance against Japan's Ryusei Azemoto. Meanwhile, the tournament has seen shocking results, particularly with Raymond van Barneveld's unexpected defeat, which raises questions about his future in the sport. Wade's confidence is riding high as he prepares to face Ricky Evans next, while other matches continue to unfold in the prestigious tournament.

Key takeaways

James Wade won his first PDC World Championship match in four years, defeating Ryusei Azemoto 3-0.
Raymond van Barneveld suffered a surprising first-round exit against Stefan Bellmont.
Wade's average of 94.75 was significantly higher than Azemoto's 84.42.
Martin Schindler impressed with a 99.14 average and a win over Stephen Burton.
Upcoming matches include Fallon Sherrock against Dave Chisnall and Michael van Gerwen taking on Mitsuhiko Tatsunami.

Timeline: how we got here

Key milestones leading up to this stage of the PDC World Darts Championship include:

30 November 2023: The PDC World Darts Championship commenced at Alexandra Palace.
6 December 2023: Matches commenced, with James Wade and others scheduled to compete.
7 December 2023: Wade's victory over Azemoto and Van Barneveld's shocking defeat.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The major news from the tournament includes James Wade's triumphant return to form, marking his first win in the World Championship since 2019. Additionally, the shocking exit of Raymond van Barneveld has drawn significant attention, as fans and analysts question the future of the legendary player in competitive darts.

What was already established

Prior to this tournament, James Wade had been a consistent presence in the PDC World Championship, having reached the semi-finals four times. However, he had not won a match in the tournament in the last four years. Van Barneveld, a five-time world champion, has struggled in recent years, leading to speculation about his performance levels.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The results of the PDC World Darts Championship resonate beyond the arena; fans and households across the UK are engaged in the excitement. Viewership for the matches contributes to the overall popularity of darts, with many fans gathering to watch key matches, impacting local pubs and venues that host viewing events.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses, particularly those in hospitality, benefit from increased foot traffic during major tournaments like the PDC World Championship. The thrill of live darts enhances customer engagement, while darts merchandise sales see a spike in interest, supporting jobs within the sporting goods sector.

Policy and regulation

No immediate policy changes are expected as a result of this tournament; however, the popularity of darts continues to prompt discussions regarding sports funding and support for grassroots initiatives. As the sport grows, discussions may arise about enhancing youth engagement and facilities.

Numbers that matter

3-0: James Wade's victory scoreline against Ryusei Azemoto.
94.75: Wade's average score in his match, compared to Azemoto's average of 84.42.
39%: The checkout percentage achieved by Bellmont against Van Barneveld.
7: The number of 180s thrown by Martin Schindler in his win.
58: Age of Raymond van Barneveld, highlighting the longevity of his career in darts.

Definitions and jargon buster

PDC: Professional Darts Corporation, the leading organisation for professional darts tournaments.
Checkout: The final score that a player needs to reach to win a leg.
180: The highest score possible in a single round of darts, achieved by hitting three treble 20s.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the tournament progresses, fans can expect heightened competition and potential upsets as more players take to the stage. The second round will be crucial for competitors like Wade and others aiming for the title.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The outcome of this championship will influence players' rankings and seedings for future tournaments. Continued performance at this level may lead to increased sponsorship and promotional opportunities for successful players.

Signals to watch

Match outcomes of key players like James Wade and Michael van Gerwen.
Player performances in terms of averages and checkout percentages.
Public interest and viewership ratings for matches throughout the tournament.

Practical guidance

Do

Watch upcoming matches live to engage with the excitement of the tournament.
Follow player statistics to understand trends in performance.
Participate in local viewing events to enhance the experience.

Don’t

Miss out on supporting local businesses during the tournament.
Underestimate the potential for upsets in knockout stages.
Ignore player form leading into the later rounds of the competition.

Checklist

Check match schedules and set reminders for key games.
Follow player averages and scoring patterns.
Engage with local darts communities and events.
Stay updated on player news and potential injuries.
Participate in any fantasy leagues or prediction contests for added fun.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the tournament progresses, the unpredictability of match outcomes remains a significant factor. Players may experience fluctuations in form, and injuries could impact performances in crucial matches. Additionally, the mental pressure of tournament play can affect even seasoned professionals. Fans should remain aware that while current trends may suggest likely outcomes, the nature of knockout competitions often leads to surprises.

Bottom line

James Wade's victory marks a hopeful return to form as he progresses in the PDC World Darts Championship, while the early exit of Raymond van Barneveld has raised eyebrows regarding his future. As the tournament unfolds, continued viewer engagement and support for local businesses will enhance the overall atmosphere of this prestigious event, making it a highlight in the sporting calendar.

FAQs

What is the significance of James Wade's victory?

James Wade's victory is significant as it marks his first win at the PDC World Darts Championship in four years, showcasing his potential to compete at a high level again.

Why did Raymond van Barneveld lose?

Raymond van Barneveld lost due to a series of missed doubles and an inability to maintain consistency, culminating in an unexpected first-round exit.

What can we expect in the next rounds of the championship?

In the next rounds, fans can expect increased competition and potential upsets, with top players vying for the title and others looking to make a statement.