By Morgan Barrett
The PDC World Darts Championship has produced some of the most unforgettable moments in the history of the sport but not just because of darting brilliance but also because of shocks that left the fans stunned. From massive upsets to the birth of legends, the Ally Pally always delivers some drama.
Let’s have a look at five of the greatest shocks at the World Darts Championships:
5. Michael Van Gerwen stunned by Alan Norris (2012)
Before becoming a three-time world champion and one of the greatest darts players of all time, Michael Van Gerwen was on the wrong side of a huge upset. Before coming into the 2012 competition “Mighty Mike” was starting to make a name for himself and many fans anticipated a deep run for the Dutchmen instead, Alan Norris who was making his debut at the Ally Pally produced a performance that nobody could have saw coming and knocking MVG out in the opening round.
Seeing what MVG went onto acheive in the sports this can definitly be looked at as a truly shocking darts moment.
4. Peter Wright knocked out by Toni Alcinas (2018)
Seeded number two and coming of one of the best seasons of his career, Peter Wright came into the 2018 World Championships as one of the leading contenders, meaning his early exit was a massive surprise.
Spain’s Toni Alcinas won the first two sets and despite Wright winning the third Alcinas clinched victory in the fourth set leaving a Santa themed Peter Wright along with the darting fans.
3. Fallon Sherrock stuns Mensur Suljović (2020)
Few moments in darts history caused more global media meltdowns than this moment. After becoming the first Women to ever win a match in the PDC World Championship, Fallon Sherrock’s second round victory over then 11 ranked Mensur Suljović sent the Ally Pally into pandemonium and gained huge attention from the media.
It was not just an unexpected result it became a moment that helped change how people viewed Women’s darts. Sherrock’s incredible win showed that female players could compete with the male players on the biggest stage of them all. It marked a turning point in darts and is still on the most talked about games to this day.
2. A Young Michael Smith shocks Phil Taylor (2014)
Phil Taylor was so dominant in the PDC World Championships that any defeat felt like a shock, but this one was the biggest.
Taylor who is considered the GOAT of the sport was expected to cruise past a young Michael Smith who at the time was just a prospect, instead the Englishmen produced a sensational performance and completed a shocking victory with a 128-checkout finishing on the Bull sending dart fans into shock.
Taylor crashing out in just the second round sent shockwaves through the entire sport, and this result is one of the most shocking results that dart fans have ever seen.
1. Rob Cross wins the 2018 World Championship
Rob Cross’ victory at the 2018 Worlds remains the biggest shock in the tournament’s history. Cross was a complete newcomer to the PDC circuit at the start of the season, a former electrician that earned his tour card. Then by the end of the year he was lifting the biggest trophy in the sport
Even the run to win the tournament was shocking, upsetting both MVG and Taylor on his way to an unbelievable debut world title.
The rise from an unknown amateur to world champion in one season is a rise unlike anything the sport has ever seen and must be one of the most shocking moments in darting history.