2024/25 Paddy Power World Championship – Days 3-5

Coming into Wednesday, both Americans were still alive at the Ally Pally. By Wednesday evening, hopes of an American World Champion had evaporated.

First on stage was Leonard Gates. ‘Soulger’ faced the highly-fancied Nathan Aspinall. Despite a nice 15-darter with a 106 checkout, The Texan couldn’t add to that, and lost the first set 3-1. Another 15 in Set Two though, help Gates level.

The Englishman posted a swift 12-darter on his way to securing the Third Set 3-1. Aspinall needed just 16 to go one up in the Fourth, but Gates went one better with another 15 (and 88 finish on the bull) to make it 1-1. Aspinall then regained the lead, only for the American to take the set to a last-leg decider – which he needed to win. Sadly, he couldn’t, and his World Championship was over.

Thursdau was Stowe Buntz’s turn, and the Virginian was up against Nick Kenny. The Welshman opened with 13. The pair then traded 17’s before Kenny clinched the set. Both players posted 15’s (the ‘Neon Nightmare” checked out from 116), and both posted 18’s. Kenny found the Set-winner in the fifth.

A brace of 15-darters gave Nick a distinct advantage in the next. Another 15 was posted next leg, but this time, it was the American’s turn. Well, there was yet another 15 in the fourth, but this time it was Kenny, and it was sealed with a beautiful 170 checkout. Oh well…

With Canadian Jim Long also suffering an early defeat at the hands of James Hurrell, North American eyes are all on Matt Campbell now. Campbell edged out Mensur Suljovic in a tense five-setter. Elsewhere, #2 seed Michael Smith was the big casualty, victim of a superb last set from Dutch Opponent, Kevin Doets.

You can get live scores and updates from the PDC website here

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