Monday Mayhem at Ally Pally: Big Finishes, Breakthrough Stars & Ally Pally Chaos
Day Five at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship had it all: Peter Wright and Jonny Clayton safely navigating their opening tests. Debutants taking the spotlight, big-time finishing lit up the Ally Pally stage and a raw, emotional reaction from Cameron Menzies that became one of the day’s most talked about moments.
Here’s your daily update covering all the breakthrough moments, key stats and the moments that lit up the Ally Pally stage.
AFTERNOON SESSION — Day Five: Big Finishes & Breakthrough Moments
The afternoon session at Ally Pally brought drama from the very first dart, with seasoned pros and fearless newcomers lighting up the stage.
Brendan Dolan 3–1 Tavis Dudeney
Dolan set the tone for the session, producing a sharp performance that included a perfect 170 checkout. Despite Dudeney firing in nine 180s, the veteran’s composure proved the difference as he secured his place in the next round.
Charlie Manby 3–2 Cameron Menzies
Debutant Charlie Manby delivered a breakout moment in a five-set thriller. Trailing 2–1, the 20 year old showed remarkable composure, nailing a crucial 120 checkout and storming back to claim victory.
Menzies’ raw post-match reaction became one of the talking points of the day, later apologising and ensuring Manby received full credit for his performance.
Mensur Suljovic 3–1 David Cameron
Suljovic followed with a controlled, professional display, averaging close to 95 as he dispatched David Cameron. The Austrian’s clinical finishing booked him a compelling second-round tie against Joe Cullen.
Peter Wright 3–0 Noa-Lynn van Leuven
Rounding off the afternoon, Peter Wright opened his campaign in straight sets, sealing the win with a trademark 152 checkout. Snakebite admitted he wasn’t at his sharpest, but the two-time champion moves forward to face Arno Merk with confidence building.
Monday December 15
Afternoon Session
Round One x4
Brendan Dolan 3-1 Tavis Dudeney (3-1, 3-2, 2-3, 3-1)
Charlie Manby 3-2 Cameron Menzies (2-3, 3-2, 1-3, 3-2, 3-1)
Mensur Suljovic 3-1 David Cameron (3-1, 2-3, 3-1, 3-1)
Peter Wright 3-0 Noa-Lynn van Leuven (3-1, 3-2, 3-0)
Key Session Insights
Number of 180’s scored in this session - 36
Highest outshot of the session – 170 (Brendan Dolan)
Highest 3 dart average - 94.92 (Mensur Suljovic)
EVENING SESSION — Power Scoring, Pressure Moments, and Experience Takes Over
The evening session kept the momentum alive with huge scoring, high emotion and clinical finishing throughout.
Dirk van Duijvenbode 3–2 Andy Baetens
Van Duijvenbode stormed back from 2–1 down with one of the displays of the tournament so far. A late burst of brilliance - 109, 106, a sensational 170 Big Fish, and a finishing 102 saw him snatch the match in a deciding set.
Connor Scutt 3–2 Simon Whitlock
Another thriller followed as Connor Scutt held off a spirited Whitlock fightback. Two huge 180s to open the final leg slammed the door shut, setting up a blockbuster meeting with Gary Anderson in round two.
Max Hopp 3–1 Martin Lukeman
Five years on from his last Ally Pally appearance, Max Hopp announced his return in style. Seven 180s and a strong all-round performance carried him to a confident 3–1 win over Martin Lukeman.
Jonny Clayton 3–1 Adam Lipscombe
Closing the night, Jonny Clayton battled his way through a gritty contest, relying on three ton-plus finishes to overcome Adam Lipscombe. Not his explosive best, but enough to set up a tough round-two encounter with Dom Taylor.
Evening Session
Round One x4
Max Hopp 3-1 Martin Lukeman (3-0, 3-2, 2-3, 3-0)
Dirk van Duijvenbode 3-2 Andy Baetens (3-1, 1-3, 1-3, 3-1, 3-1)
Jonny Clayton 3-1 Adam Lipscombe (3-1, 2-3, 3-1, 3-1)
Connor Scutt 3-2 Simon Whitlock (3-1, 3-2, 2-3, 2-3, 3-1)
Key Session Insights
Number of 180’s scored in this session - 41
Highest outshot of the session – 170 (Dirk van Duijvenbode)
Highest 3 dart average - 98.54 (Dirk van Duijvenbode)
Day Six - Tuesday 16 December
Afternoon Session (12:30 GMT) — Round One
Four more first-round battles hit the Ally Pally stage as rising threats, seasoned competitors and global talents look to stamp their mark early.
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Alan Soutar vs Teemu Harju
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Nick Kenny vs Justin Hood
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Scott Williams vs Paolo Nebrida
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Chris Dobey vs Xiaochen Zong
Expect fast starts, fearless finishing and a few potential statement performances.
Evening Session (19:00 GMT) — Round One
The evening lineup brings serious firepower, headlined by one of the tournament favourites.
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Ricardo Pietreczko vs Jose de Sousa
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Danny Noppert vs Jurjen van der Velde
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Gerwyn Price vs Adam Gawlas
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Niko Springer vs Joe Comito
With big names stepping up and dangerous outsiders lurking, the evening session could easily steal the show.
We’re only just getting warmed up — make sure to check back in tomorrow for another full rundown of breakout moments, big finishes and all the Ally Pally drama as it unfolds.
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