"That was not an attempt at tops tops" - Scott Williams blames nerves for almost criminal error in match-winning opportunity vs Rob Cross

Scott Williams pulled off another surprise on the Ally Pally stage in the second round of the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship. The 34-year-old Englishman defeated fifth-seeded Rob Cross 3-1 and is now set to take on Ricardo Pietreczko after the Christmas break.

After a run to the semi-final last year, that included victories of Michael van Gerwen and others, 'Shaggy' is at it again this year. It is revenge also from two years ago after Cross beat him. Both were defending semi-finals from last year in what was a gruelling game and perhaps one based on too much respect.

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“It’s so tough, because Rob is one of my closest friends,” admitted Williams when speaking to the media afterwards. “Neither of us were great tonight, but Rob missed doubles and gave me a chance, so when you get given opportunities, you’ve got to take it."

There were a few notable moments during the game, including Williams seemingly unimpressed with one of the camera men at the end of set 1. "The cameras was moving whilst I was going for the double and I could see it in the eyeline," he explains. "Whether the guy was a new guy and didn't know what he's doing? I don't know. But that put me off a little bit and I wasn't happy, but I expressed my feelings and it was sorted from there."

Scott Williams now meets Ricardo Pietreczko

Another incident came as Cross was captured making a rude gesture in front of the cameras, something that will likely land him a serious fine. "I didn't see it and actually I don't care," Williams responded briefly to the incident.

Finally, Williams also criminally threw two darts out of the board when on 80 for the match, seemingly going straight for double-double. Or was he? "I'll absolutely say right now, I was nervous and my hand slipped. I was going for treble 20 and I threw that far too hard, and that was not an attempt at tops tops. That was attempt at treble 20 and I just got so excited and nervous at the same time," he says with a smile.

Williams will meet Ricardo Pietreczko in the third round after the Christmas break. "I’m always confident, regardless of who I’m playing, but I’m just looking forward to having Christmas with the family now.”

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