Asian darts growing in confidence as Alexis Toylo brings more Ally Pally success: "They feel that they can compete with anyone"

The rising level of Asian darts was again on show this Saturday afternoon at the Alexandra Palace as Alexis Toylo methodically manoeuvred his way into the second round at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship with a straight sets victory over Richard Veenstra.

The Dutchman, who reached the third round at the Ally Pally last year, seemed to have trouble with the slow pace of Toylo throughout the match, but there were moments of magic from the Filipino that helped ensure his spot in the second round. Toylo can now enjoy a free Sunday and will next take on Poland's Krzysztof Ratajski in the second round.

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Not fully confident in his English, Toylo communicated through the use of a translator during his post-match press conference. "He's happy that he won and he just can't describe how he's feeling right now apart from being happy," the Filipino reflected. "He's feeling the pressure being number one in Asia, so he feels that he needs to deliver, to make sure that he's deserving of being number one."

Toylo celebrating on the Ally Pally stage

Alongside the likes of Lok Yin Lee and Paulo Nebrida, both of whom also won their first round game at the 2025 World Darts Championship, the Asian contingent are becoming more and more competitive on their yearly trips to North London. "They feel that at this very moment they can also compete with anyone and that it's just a matter of their finishing," Toylo's interpreter explains of the confidence in Asian darts at the moment. 

Notably, Toylo's appearance on Saturday afternoon was also a landmark moment in PDC history as he became the 500th different player to play at the PDC World Darts Championship. "It's very special," Toylo's translator explains. "He said he's just trying his best to play as good as he can. Preparing for the second round with good sleep and good practice."

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