Wesley Plaisier has stressed that he is keeping his focus firmly on the present, despite producing one of the biggest shocks of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship with his round two victory over Gerwyn Price.
The Dutchman stunned the Alexandra Palace crowd with a straight-sets win over ninth seed Price, who had been widely tipped as a title contender. That result secured Plaisier’s first-ever place in round three, where he now faces experienced Polish star Krzysztof Ratajski.
“I’m just looking at the tournament match-by-match,” admitted Plaisier, “Hopefully I can win the next one.
“The draw is open, but there are still a lot of good players in. Every game is really hard, there are no easy games.
“Krzysztof is my next opponent, he’s a good player and also dangerous. I won’t underestimate him.”
The win over Price marked a major milestone, as Plaisier defeated the highest seed he has ever faced at the World Championship and edged closer to breaking into the world’s top 64. Despite holding a PDC Tour Card until at least the end of next year, the 35-year-old insists long-term goals are not weighing on his mind.
“It would be a really big achievement to reach the top 64, but I’m not thinking about that,” insisted Plaisier.
“My biggest goal next year is to try and get into the top 64, to try and keep my tour card.
“To be in the top 64 so soon would take off a lot of pressure for next year, but I just want to win my next game.”
Plaisier arrives into round three brimming with confidence, believing his career-best victory has elevated his belief on the sport’s biggest stage.
“This year, Price has been one of the best players on the tour and he’s played really well in the big tournaments,” stated Plaisier.
“I always believe in myself, but it was more like hope to win against Price. I don’t think a lot of people would have thought I would beat him.
“The best wins are when you don’t expect them. This is by far my biggest win ever.
“If you can beat Gerwyn Price, you can beat anybody.”
