Ahead of the PDC World Championship beginning on Friday, the PDC have compiled a list with the top five shocks in the history of the tournament.
5. Smith produces stunning win over reigning champion Taylor
Michael Smith is known now as one of the best players in World Darts; but that hasn't always been the case and one of his defining moments in his PDC career came early on when he dumped Phil Taylor out of the 2014 PDC World Championship in a 4-3 victory in memorable fashion.
4. Havenga produces memorable victory over Manley
Devon Petersen is now known as South Africa's leading light; but a memorable moment for the country also came in the 2007 PDC World Championship; when Wynand Havenga produced heroics to defeat Peter Manley in the second round.
He defeated Steve Maish early on but found himself 3-0 down to Manley; before he came back to produce a brilliant comeback 4-3.
3. Lewis smashes Wright in world class display
Jamie Lewis had only qualified for the 2018 PDC World Championship at the PDPA Qualifier as he made up for a poor year; but no one expected him to produce the run, he produced.
Lewis went from zero to hero as he smashed Peter Wright 4-1 in the second round at Alexandra Palace; hitting a 107.27 average in the process. 'Fireball' hasn't quite had the success he wanted to have after this tournament but it will be moments like this which show anything can happen in the showpiece event.
2. Richardson dumps out Van Barneveld
James Richardson is now a fully fledged professional who will have all eyes on him this year; as he takes on Mikuru Suzuki but in the beginning, 'Ruthless' showed a little bit of that in the 2012 PDC World Championship.
An unknown; he was facing Raymond van Barneveld and produced a 3-0 demolition of the Dutch legend to inflict his first ever opening round defeat.
1. Shepherd produces fairytale run to World Championship Final
In number one is Kirk Shepherd who back in 2008 shocked the world by reaching the final of the World Championship.
A 21 year old sheet metal worker, he took to the oche and defeated Terry Jenkins in a match where he missed multiple match darts. He did so again versus Mick McGowan and Peter Manley.
He also defeated Barrie Bates and in a game again no one expected him to win, he slayed Wayne Mardle to reach the final where he fell to John Part but in a story where 'The Karate Kid' has only really just returned to the foray in darts, it shows anything can happen!
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Oct 20, 22:28
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- If he went on the Seniors tour surely he would mop up the titles?Mysstree26-11-2024
- I'll miss Steve Thank you for all the memories and great matches. I was there when he (luckily) won the 96 World Championship, I expected him to win and perfom better in the PDC than he did as he moved over so early when he still had good form. Looks great for 60, today's players should take note !! Sure he was a driving instructor when in the BDO. A cool guy, very friendly and interesting to chat with.No theatrics on stage, just got on and played darts Sign him up SKY !!!richieburnettrocks26-11-2024
- I agree. With the number of tournaments these days?, Phil could probably earn £2 million a year if still playing. I can't believe Chisnall has earned over half a million for being so inept, he barely gets past the first round, stealing a living. That's outrageous.richieburnettrocks26-11-2024
- As prize money increases each year and there are now more tournaments then logically breaking the £2 million barrier is going to happen, only thing preventing it is the now deeper strength in depth of the darting field. If you took Taylor’s best two consecutive years and substituted the prize money from now onto the tournaments he won he would have passed the £2 million.Mysstree26-11-2024
- Only Gary Anderson in MVG’s quarter who should really trouble him assuming he wins his first two games. If he can’t get out of that quarter of the draw he will be hard pushed to win another World Title.Mysstree26-11-2024