Quick Read
- Ricky Evans defeated James Wade 3-2 in a tense tiebreaker, checking out with 99 in the final set.
- Eight players have already hit 170 ‘Big Fish’ checkouts, a record pace for the championship.
- Gabriel Clemens and Madars Razma both advanced to the third round with convincing wins.
PDC Darts World Championship Day 12 Delivers Shocks and Spectacle
If you tuned in to the Alexandra Palace on December 22, you witnessed darts at its most gripping. Day 12 of the 2026 PDC Darts World Championship unfolded with drama, precision, and a string of remarkable achievements that will be replayed for years to come.
Ricky Evans Edges James Wade in a Tiebreak Thriller
All eyes were on the afternoon session’s final match, as two Englishmen—Ricky Evans and James Wade—stepped up for a battle that encapsulated everything fans love about darts: tension, skill, and unpredictability. Wade struck first, setting the pace with an early set win. But Evans, known for his resilience, clawed back not once, but twice, to keep the scores level. The match headed into the fifth set, and as the rules demanded, the winner had to claim victory by two clear legs.
With nerves fraying, both players missed several match darts. The crowd’s anticipation was palpable, each missed shot drawing gasps and groans. In the end, Evans seized his moment, checking out with 99 to clinch a 6-4 victory in the final set. Wade, who had earlier thrilled the crowd with a flawless 170 ‘Big Fish’ checkout against Evans, could only watch as his hopes slipped away. Evans’s win wasn’t just an upset—it was the game of the tournament so far, a testament to mental toughness and relentless focus. Flashscore and Sporting News both described the encounter as a highlight of the second round.
170 ‘Big Fish’ Checkouts: Record Pace at Ally Pally
If there’s one statistic that defines this year’s championship so far, it’s the astonishing number of 170 checkouts. Known as the ‘Big Fish’ in darts parlance, this perfect finish demands two treble 20s followed by a bullseye—a feat as much psychological as technical. The 2026 event has already seen eight such checkouts, setting a blistering pace compared to previous years.
- Rob Cross: Sealed his first-round win over Cor Dekker with a 170, a flourish that sent the crowd into raptures.
- Gabriel Clemens: The German Giant reeled in a 170 against Alex Spellman, setting the tone for his campaign.
- Brendan Dolan: Delivered a magical 170 to take the second set against Tavis Dudeney, doubling his lead.
- Dirk van Duijvenbode: The Dutchman, a known lover of high finishes, hit his fourth Ally Pally 170, igniting the arena.
- Krzysztof Ratajski: The Polish Eagle strengthened his grip on his match with a textbook 170 checkout.
- Nathan Aspinall: Produced a clutch 170 to wrap up his 3-1 win over Lourence Ilagan.
- Joe Cullen: Found the ‘Big Fish’ against Mensur Suljovic for the second year running—consistency at its finest.
- James Wade: Even in defeat, Wade’s 170 against Evans was a reminder of why he’s one of the game’s greats.
Eight 170 checkouts in just the opening rounds is unprecedented. Each moment was met with the signature roar of the Ally Pally crowd, a living testament to darts’ unique blend of sporting excellence and fan energy (Yahoo Sports, Sporting News).
Other Notable Results and Performances
The afternoon session was not short on storylines beyond the headline clash. Gabriel Clemens dispatched Wessel Nijman 3-0, coming from behind in key legs to book his place in the third round. Latvia’s Madars Razma overcame a spirited challenge from Scotland’s Darren Beveridge, winning 3-1 after rallying from two legs down in the fourth set.
David Munyua, a fan favourite after his comeback heroics against Mike De Decker in round one, bowed out with a 3-0 defeat to Kevin Doets. Munyua managed only two legs across three sets, while Doets averaged 90.12 and fired five 180s. Munyua reflected on his journey: “With it being my first time at Ally Pally, I’ve done my best and I’m happy with that.” His humility and sportsmanship won the crowd, even in defeat (Flashscore).
What’s Next: The Evening Session and Tournament Bracket
The evening session promised further intrigue, with Gian van Veen facing Alan Soutar, Nathan Aspinall up against American Leonard Gates, and Luke Humphries taking on the 71-year-old veteran Paul Lim. Charlie Manby was set to close out the day versus Adam Sevada. These matches would shape the third-round lineup and further clarify who might go the distance.
The bracket for the second round remained packed with contenders, including top seeds Luke Littler, Damon Heta, Andrew Gilding, and Krzysztof Ratajski in Quarter #1, and a host of international stars across the board. The tournament’s format, requiring two clear legs to win in the final set, continued to produce drama and unpredictable outcomes.
As the dust settles on Day 12, the 2026 PDC Darts World Championship is shaping up as one for the ages. The combination of clutch performances, record-setting checkouts, and underdog stories has gripped fans and reminded everyone why Ally Pally in December is the heartbeat of darts.
The sheer volume of 170 checkouts this year signals a shift in the competitive standard of the sport. Players are not just surviving the pressure—they’re thriving under it, raising the bar for what’s possible on the biggest stage. The unpredictability of results, with seasoned stars falling to unheralded challengers, makes this championship a true reflection of darts’ evolving landscape.