World Championship outsider Wessel Nijman through sudden-death leg in the nick of time

Wessel Nijman was close to losing at the World Darts Championship. The Dutchman had to pull out all the stops to beat his strong playing opponent Cameron Carolissen. This succeeded only after a decisive leg.

It is only Nijman's second World Championship participation, but expectations were huge. Because of his form on the tour in 2024 and because of his on paper good draw, Nijman was listed seventh by the bookies to become world champion at Alexandra Palace.

The first set went 3-0 to Nijman, who opened the match with a 139 finish in the first leg. After that, an 18-darter and a 19-darter were enough to bring in the next two legs.

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Nijman moved closer to victory when he also took the second set. In the first leg of set two he threw another 21-darter, but after that Nijman was strong in his own legs and with two 13-darters he pulled off the second set 3-2.

In set three, Nijman missed four chances in the third leg to make 1-1. Carolissen then made it 2-0 via double 6 and then managed to win the set with a 14-darter. Nijman then moved to one of victory in the fourth set by hitting a 115 finish to make it 2-1. However, Carolissen responded by throwing out 61 to force a fifth leg. Nijman did not get any set darts in six innings in this leg, after which Carolissen recorded for a final set with a 17-darter.

Carolissen started the fifth set sharp with a 61 finish while Nijman was on 71 at that point. Nijman then threw himself a 15-darter before Carolissen threw a 62 finish to come within one leg of a sensational victory. Nijman did not let himself get out of the way and secured a sudden-death leg with an 11-darter.

It was Carolissen who got to start the last leg and the South African did so very decently with a 123 score. Nijman however popped over with a 180 score. After nine arrows Nijman was already on 85 and eventually he narrowly won the match with a 14-darter. In the next round, Nijman will face Joe Cullen.

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