James Wade Triumphs; Raymond van Barneveld Exits 2026 PDC Darts Championship
In the opening rounds of the 2026 PDC Darts Championship, James Wade achieved a commanding 3-0 victory over Ryusei Azemoto. Meanwhile, the legendary Raymond van Barneveld faced an unexpected early exit.
James Wade’s Dominant Performance
The seventh seed, James Wade, showcased his skills with a stellar average of 94.75 against Japan’s Azemoto, who averaged 84.42. Wade only allowed one leg to slip through his fingers during the match.
Reflecting on his performance, Wade stated, “Tonight showed the practice I’ve been doing. It wasn’t spectacular, but when I really needed to hit something, it happened.”
Wade is set to face Ricky Evans in the second round on Monday, continuing his quest for the championship.
Raymond van Barneveld’s Disappointment
Raymond van Barneveld, a five-time world champion, experienced a disappointing first-round elimination against Stefan Bellmont, the first Swiss player to win at Alexandra Palace. Van Barneveld started strong, taking the opening leg, but ultimately lost eight consecutive legs.
Despite averaging higher than Bellmont, Van Barneveld struggled with his doubles, converting only 25% of attempts. In contrast, Bellmont succeeded on 39% of his doubles.
Other Notable Matches
- Martin Schindler: Averaged 99.14 and secured a 3-1 victory over Stephen Burton.
- Adam Sevada: Marked his debut with a 3-1 win against Canadian Matt Campbell, outperforming Campbell in doubles with 11 legs to 6.
As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly await the next rounds, showcasing emerging talents and veteran players alike in the PDC World Darts Championship.
