Alexander Merkx briefly started to believe in shock against Chris Dobey: ''But that 122 was a killer''

Saturday afternoon saw the end of Alexander Merkx's debut at the World Darts Championship. The 30-year-old Dutchman certainly didn't play badly against world number one Chris Dobey, but lost 3-1 in sets to 'Hollywood'.

Merkx faced a tough job beforehand to floor the No. 15 seed. Merkx had beaten Stephen Burton 3-0 in sets in the first round, but recorded an average of only 78. That needed at least 15 points to make it a fun match against his English opponent. In the end, Merkx averaged over 90 this time, and did manage to pick up some legs.

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For a moment, even more seemed possible after Merkx took the third set and then managed to take a break lead in the fourth set. But with a high finish, Dobey immediately caused a rebreak. "I was starting to believe in it a little bit when he hit 122. That was a killer," Merkx told the press afterwards. ''But I can look back on this World Championship with satisfaction. I think a lot of people didn't expect me to win a game here."

After his World Championship debut, Merkx has a taste for more, although he needs a Tour Card to gain entry to the lucrative Pro Tour circuit in 2025. ''I'm going to play Q School in January and if I reach my level there, I can earn a Tour Card. I'm convinced of that,'' Merkx concluded optimistically.