Quick Read
- Jermaine Wattimena defeated Dominik Gruellich 3-2 in a tense first-round match at the 2026 World Darts Championship.
- Wattimena marks his 11th consecutive main draw appearance, advancing to face Williams in round two.
- Day 8 also saw Kenyan David Munyua make history by beating Mike de Decker, and Fallon Sherrock dispatch Dave Chisnall 3-0.
Wattimena Holds Nerve Against Gruellich in Five-Set Thriller
The Alexandra Palace crowd was buzzing as Jermaine Wattimena stepped onto the oche for his opening match of the 2026 World Darts Championship. Facing Dominik Gruellich, a newcomer to the tournament, Wattimena was keen to build on his impressive momentum from the Players Championship Finals, where he made a semi-final run and climbed to 19th in the PDC Order of Merit. For the Dutchman, this was not just another appearance—it was his 11th straight in the main draw, a testament to his consistency and staying power in the sport.
Gruellich, meanwhile, was making his Ally Pally debut. Fresh from a World Youth Championship campaign that ended in the last 64, he was very much the underdog. Yet, as darts fans know, the World Championship has a habit of producing surprises, and Gruellich was determined not to be just a footnote.
The evening session opened with Wattimena and Gruellich trading legs, the tension palpable as each player sought an early advantage. Wattimena, known for his brisk pace and aggressive scoring, found himself matched by Gruellich’s measured approach and resolve. The sets ticked by, neither able to pull decisively ahead. It was only in the fifth and final set that Wattimena’s experience shone through, clinching the match 3-2. For Gruellich, the loss stung, but his spirited performance hinted at future promise.
Wattimena’s Journey: Consistency Meets Opportunity
This victory marked another milestone for Wattimena, who has steadily built a reputation for reliability on the big stage. Last year, he bested James Wade before falling to Peter Wright in the third round—matching his best-ever finish at Alexandra Palace. His 2026 campaign begins with renewed optimism. Ranked as a 14/1 dark horse to win the fourth quarter, Wattimena is quietly building a case for a deep run, especially with the draw opening up in his section of the bracket.
What makes Wattimena’s journey compelling is not just his results, but the context in which he delivers them. The Dutchman has weathered the ups and downs of tour life, showing resilience in the face of early exits and capitalizing on his chances when they arise. His path through the Players Championship Finals reminded fans of his ability to string together wins under pressure, a trait that could prove vital in the knockout format of the World Championship.
The Wider Day 8 Landscape: Upsets and Milestones
Day 8 was filled with drama across the board. The afternoon session saw Belgian Mike de Decker, seeded 18th, stunned by Kenyan qualifier David Munyua in a historic 2-3 upset. De Decker, who has struggled to progress past the second round in recent years, once again found himself halted early—despite strong form in the lead-up tournaments. Munyua’s victory marked a landmark moment, as he became the first African player to win a match at the World Championship, further proof of darts’ expanding global reach (Sporting News).
In the evening, Fallon Sherrock continued her trailblazing journey in the sport, dispatching Dave Chisnall 3-0 to reach the next round. Sherrock, one of five women to qualify for the 2026 tournament, showed composure and precision, reminding fans of her headline-grabbing run in 2020. Chisnall, meanwhile, endured another tough exit after a challenging season, highlighting the unpredictable nature of darts at the highest level.
What’s Next for Wattimena?
Wattimena’s win sets up a second-round clash with Williams, a matchup that could further test his resolve. The Dutchman’s blend of rapid-fire scoring and tournament experience makes him a difficult opponent, but the draw is stacked with contenders. With Michael van Gerwen, Luke Littler, and Peter Wright all in the hunt, the road ahead is anything but easy.
For Wattimena, the focus now shifts to maintaining momentum and avoiding the pitfalls that have tripped up so many favorites this year. Gruellich’s spirited challenge serves as a reminder: in the World Championship, reputations offer no guarantees. Every match is a battle, and only those who can adapt under pressure survive.
The Broader Impact: Darts’ Evolving Narrative
Wattimena’s journey is emblematic of a broader shift in professional darts. The game is no longer confined to its traditional powerhouses. With Munyua’s breakthrough and Sherrock’s continued success, the sport is embracing new faces and stories, each adding depth to the championship’s rich tapestry. For fans, it’s a reminder that every player—whether seasoned or new—brings something unique to the stage.
The 2026 World Darts Championship is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with upsets and tight contests keeping fans on edge. As the tournament progresses, Wattimena’s experience and form will be under the spotlight. Can he break past his previous best and make a statement on the world’s biggest stage?
Jermaine Wattimena’s hard-fought victory over Dominik Gruellich underscores both the Dutchman’s resilience and the unpredictable nature of world-class darts. In a championship already marked by historic upsets and breakthrough performances, Wattimena’s steady hand could be the key to unlocking a deeper run—proving that in darts, experience is often the difference between survival and exit.