VIDEO | "Why can’t I have a run?” - Luke Woodhouse into last 32 at World Darts Championship after dumping out much-fancied Mike de Decker

Luke Woodhouse has provided the biggest surprise of the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship so far. On Tuesday, the 36-year-old Englishman defeated much-fancied Mike de Decker 3-1 to set up a last 32 tie against the winner of the duel between Damon Heta and Connor Scutt after Christmas.

Woodhouse started this World Darts Championship as the number 35 ranked player in the world, not that far behind number 24 Mike De Decker. Still, the Belgian was seen as the favourite for this match and one of the dark horses for the world title, considering De Decker's recent form and the fact that he won the World Grand Prix earlier this year.

"It wasn’t an Ally Pally classic by any means, but it's unbelievable. I mean, I've been playing some okay stuff. I wish that game had gone a little bit better but yeah, getting to the last 32, I think if you speak to any player, especially from the first round, if you can get to after Christmas and get to the third round it is massive," Woodhouse reflected afterwards in his post-match press conference. “It’s a massive achievement, and if I can come here and put a full performance together, I have definitely got the potential to go far."

"I think everybody that's been watching Mike for the last six months knows how good he's been and yeah, for some reason it didn't happen for him tonight so I've taken full advantage. I'm through and he's not," the Englishman adds.

As mentioned, in the last 32 Woodhouse is now set to face off against either Connor Scutt or Damon Heta. No matter which of the pair prevails, the Englishman is preparing himself for another tough battle. “Connor is playing brilliantly, Damon is a fantastic player who has proven himself over the last three to four years," previews Woodhouse, remaining confident in his own ability. "Why can’t I have a run?”