Darts
PDC World Darts Championship 2025: Day Three Evening Results, Fallon Sherrock OUT
Fallon Sherrock’s Ally Pally return ended in heartbreak as Ryan Meikle edged a deciding set, setting up a second-round clash with teenage sensation Luke Littler.
PDC / Taylor Lanning
The fifth session of the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship delivered another thrilling night at Alexandra Palace, with the London crowd treated to three first-round battles and a second-round clash to cap off the evening.
Fallon Sherrock, the “Queen of the Palace,” marked her return to the World Championship stage, eyeing a blockbuster second-round tie against teenage prodigy Luke Littler. However, standing in her way was Ryan Meikle, who stunned two-time world champion Gary Anderson at the Players Championship Finals in Minehead last month.
Meanwhile, Peter Wright, the two-time world champion affectionately known as "Snakebite," looked to revive a disappointing season. Wright stepped onto the iconic stage with the crowd behind him, determined to rediscover his winning ways and reignite his campaign.
Jeffrey de Graaf vs. Rashad Sweeting
The evening session began with Sweden’s Jeffrey de Graaf, aiming to build on last year’s impressive World Championship run, where he reached the third round. Standing in his way was Rashad Sweeting, the first-ever player from the Bahamas to compete at the tournament. Sweeting had already captured attention, with world number one Luke Humphries tipping him as a player to watch earlier in the week.
While Sweeting couldn’t pull off the upset, he certainly captured the hearts of fans both in the arena and watching at home. The Bahamian debutant made a stunning start, taking the first set in style and showcasing his flair with three 180s, one of which he celebrated with Cole Palmer’s signature ‘cold’ gesture—a tribute to a fan who had sent him an encouraging message before the match.
Despite his spirited performance, Sweeting couldn’t overcome de Graaf’s PDC experience. The Swedish ace held his nerve to secure victory and book a dream second-round tie against two-time world champion Gary Anderson. Sweeting’s run may have ended here, but his dazzling debut ensured his name will be remembered at Alexandra Palace.
PDC / Taylor Lanning
Ricardo Pietreczko vs. Xiaochen Zong
Next up, German star Ricardo Pietreczko faced China’s Zong Xiao Chen, who was making his fourth appearance at Alexandra Palace and still searching for his first win on the iconic stage.
Unfortunately for Zong, the wait continues as Pietreczko cruised to a 3-0 victory. Despite the whitewash, the match was closer than the scoreline suggested. Pietreczko, a former European Tour winner, struggled to find top gear, averaging under 90 and managing just one more 180 than his Chinese opponent.
With the win secured, Pietreczko advances to the next round, where he’ll face Dutch rising star Gian van Veen in what promises to be an intriguing clash.
Ryan Meikle vs. Fallon Sherrock
Five years after Fallon Sherrock shattered barriers by reaching the third round of the World Championship, the “Queen of the Palace” returned to Alexandra Palace aiming to end a four-year winless streak at the tournament.
Standing in her way was Ryan Meikle, determined to spoil the nation’s hopes of a dream showdown between Sherrock and Warrington’s teenage sensation, Luke Littler.
Sherrock made a strong start, taking the opening set and raising hopes of another memorable Ally Pally run.
However, Meikle refused to back down, constantly pressuring his opponent in a scrappy contest where neither player hit top form. Sherrock’s recent illness appeared to take its toll as the match wore on, with signs of fatigue showing in the latter stages.
Despite her battling efforts to force a deciding set at 2-2, Sherrock couldn’t find the energy to finish the job. Meikle held his nerve to clinch the victory, silencing the crowd and dashing Sherrock’s hopes of rekindling past magic.
While he may have played the role of party pooper, Meikle now turns his focus to a tantalising second-round clash against Littler this weekend.
PDC / Taylor Lanning
Peter Wright vs. Wesley Plaisier
To close out the night, two-time world champion Peter Wright brought the party atmosphere to Alexandra Palace. Wright arrived at the tournament enduring one of the toughest seasons of his career, a slump that has seen him fall to world rank 17. Determined to turn things around, he had his sights set on a third world title.
His opponent, Wesley Plaisier, presented a good opportunity for Wright to regain momentum on the sport’s biggest stage.
It was far from vintage Wright, but he managed to grind out a 3-1 victory. After taking a steady 2-0 lead, his performance dipped, allowing Plaisier to snatch the third set and extend the match. In a scrappy finale, Wright rolled back the years with a brilliant 127 checkout in the fourth set which would eventually help him secure the win.
Wright now advances to face the in-form Jermaine Wattimena in the third round after Christmas.
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