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Van Gerwen Survives Shock Scare at World Championship
19 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Michael van Gerwen narrowly avoided an early exit in the World Championship first round.
- Japan's Tatsunami took a surprising early lead against the favored Dutchman.
- Fallon Sherrock was also eliminated in her World Championship match.
Michael van Gerwen experienced a tense encounter during the first round of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, ultimately securing a 3-1 victory over Japan's Mitsuhiko Tatsunami. Tatsunami, supported by the crowd, secured an unexpected first-set lead with a clutch 92 checkout. Van Gerwen then staged a comeback, winning five consecutive legs to take control of the match.
Despite Van Gerwen's rally, Tatsunami managed to win a break of throw in the fourth set. However, Van Gerwen recovered and, after missing two match darts, advanced to the second round. He admitted to a difficult start, stating, "I don't know what happened. I started off really c**p."
In another match, Fallon Sherrock was defeated 3-0 by Dave Chisnall. Sherrock, who made history in 2020, struggled with her doubling, missing 11 darts in the first set. Chisnall capitalized, progressing with a strong performance. Elsewhere, Jermaine Wattimena secured a 3-2 win against Dominik Gruellich.
