Xiaochen Zong may be preparing for his fourth appearance at the World Darts Championship. He forced a return to Alexandra Palace by winning the PDC China Championship last Sunday.
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Zong has been considered the best dart player from China for years and he confirmed that status by winning the first edition of the PDC China Championship by force. Zong played 38 legs during the tournament, 31 of which he won.
The 26-year-old Chinese ace won his two matches in the group stage quite convincingly. He defeated Zishuo Wang 5-2 and then settled with Yuyi Shao (5-0) without a loss of leg. Against Shao, Zong also threw an average of 96.
Only in the first match of the knockout phase did Zong have to play. His compatriot Zhiwei Lin managed to take a set from him, but with a 2-1 victory, 'The Pandaman' still made it to the last four.
In the semifinals, he was too strong for Xicheng Han 2-0 in sets, with Zong not losing a leg in either set. Zong faced Wenqing Liu in the final. The latter managed to win only one leg, allowing Zong to convincingly secure his spot at the World Darts Championship 3-0 in sets.
With this title, Zong also secured participation in the PDC Asian Championship, which will take place in the Philippines from Oct. 17 to 20. The best darts players from the continent of Asia will participate. Several spots for the World Darts Championship can also be earned here. In addition, the winner of the PDC Asian Championship may participate in the Grand Slam of Darts.
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
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Xiaochen Zong will make his fourth World Darts Championship appearance in December, after storming to victory in the inaugural PDC China Championship on Sunday! 🏆🇨🇳
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