The PDC World Championship is starting next week and ahead of that, the PDC have released a list of the top five shocks in the history of the tournament.
In 2008 one of the PDPA Qualifiers managed to reach the World Championship final, while in 2012 Raymond van Barneveld went out after the first round.
5. Smith Stuns Reigning Champ Taylor
Number five is when Michael Smith shocked Phil Taylor in a 4-3 sets victory back in 2014. He capitalised on errors from the sixteen time World Champion to claim a big win.
'Bullyboy', who is now in the top-10 on the PDC Order of Merit, hit a stunning 128 finish on the bullseye to grab the victory against 'The Power'.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0UxYXIKYKg
'Bullyboy', who is now in the top-10 on the PDC Order of Merit, hit a stunning 128 finish on the bullseye to grab the victory against 'The Power'.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0UxYXIKYKg
4. South African Rookie's Incredible Comeback KO's Manley
Wynand Havinga came back from 3-0 down to claim a huge victory over Peter Manley, a three-time World Championship finalist.
The South African also defeated Steve Maish back at the 2007 tournament and went on then to lose to Darren Webster.
The South African also defeated Steve Maish back at the 2007 tournament and went on then to lose to Darren Webster.
3. Lewis Blows Away Wright With Career-Best Performance
Jamie Lewis blew Peter Wright away in the second round of the 2018 PDC World Darts Championship. 'Fireball' produced the best game of his career so far with a stunning 107 average.
Lewis used this huge win as a catalyst for a brilliant run with him going on to reach the semi-final at the Alexandra Palace. The Welshman also beat James Richardson and Darren Webster, before losing to Phil Taylor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOyhbKdS1NU
Lewis used this huge win as a catalyst for a brilliant run with him going on to reach the semi-final at the Alexandra Palace. The Welshman also beat James Richardson and Darren Webster, before losing to Phil Taylor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOyhbKdS1NU
2. Ruthless Richardson Dumps Out Barney
James Richardson dumped out Raymond van Barneveld in the opening round of the 2012 World Championship. 'Ruthless' shocked the world in seeing off the five-time World Champion and has now gone onto forge a career of his own in the PDC.
Richardson, who was ranked number 85 in the world at that time, hurt 'Barney' with several big finishes. He broke the Dutchman's throw with a 145 finish in the first set and claimed set two with a decent 120 checkout.
The Rushden ace hit Van Barneveld again with a 145 finish the third set and completed the shock with a 3-0 victory over the five-time world champion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgJjZalrJlk
Richardson, who was ranked number 85 in the world at that time, hurt 'Barney' with several big finishes. He broke the Dutchman's throw with a 145 finish in the first set and claimed set two with a decent 120 checkout.
The Rushden ace hit Van Barneveld again with a 145 finish the third set and completed the shock with a 3-0 victory over the five-time world champion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgJjZalrJlk
1. Shepherd Shocks The World
The biggest shock at the World Championship came from Kirk Shepherd of course, who reached the final of the 2008 PDC World Darts Championship.
Shepherd wasn’t given a chance of winning his first round game but won his way through the field after surviving seven match-darts from Terry Jenkins in his opening game.
He defeated Wayne Mardle in a famous semi-final win to shock the world, but then lost to John Part in the final.
Shepherd wasn’t given a chance of winning his first round game but won his way through the field after surviving seven match-darts from Terry Jenkins in his opening game.
He defeated Wayne Mardle in a famous semi-final win to shock the world, but then lost to John Part in the final.
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- When Littler has at least five ranking Majors he’s in the discussion, until then, forget it.Mysstree14-11-2024
- This is the difference between other players and Phil Taylor. Phil would be completely motivated even before his walk on and didn't need anything else to do so.richieburnettrocks14-11-2024
- Still impressive though. Also literally everyone cares about averages that's what makes darts fascinating.medinabello14-11-2024
- BS he won a Euro Tour during this down period something that not many players can say. Dobey, Noppy, DvD, Ross Smith to name just a few.medinabello14-11-2024
- Maybe the supposed top players are burnt out from the endless travelling and tournaments, I just don't think they have the dedication or outright desire to win. I think they are more interested in the money and being popular, just keeping their rankings steady. The only thing that mattered to Phil Taylor was winning, not winning a few games to top up the money pot and seeking the fans attention. Maybe there is too many tournaments now and the enthusiasm is gone. This year especially has seen so many different winners and unexpected draws and line ups.richieburnettrocks14-11-2024