Peter Wright and Jonny Clayton both advanced on Day Five of the 2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship, as Dirk van Duijvenbode, Connor Scutt, and Charlie Manby triumphed in thrilling deciding-set encounters at Alexandra Palace.
Two-time World Champion Wright began his quest for a third title with a straight-sets victory over Noa-Lynn van Leuven. He produced a stunning 152 checkout and halted a mid-game revival to seal the win. “I was not happy with my performance,” Wright admitted. “My practice has been going well but I’m not transferring it on the big stage. I feel for Noa-Lynn; she played some amazing darts but just at the wrong time. If she did it at the right time I would have been in a lot of trouble.” He will face Germany’s Arno Merk in round two.
Clayton overcame Adam Lipscombe 3-1, registering a hat-trick of ton-plus finishes to progress to a clash with Dom Taylor. “Hopefully it’s going to be my year,” said Clayton. “I was dreading that game. Adam is obviously a great player, but luckily enough I came through it. Dom is going to be a tough cookie to crack. I know what he can do, but I need to concentrate on myself, nobody else.”
Van Duijvenbode delivered a sensational late surge to beat Andy Baetens, producing multiple ton-plus finishes and a 170 checkout in a 3-2 victory. Connor Scutt held off a spirited Simon Whitlock to earn a round-two tie with Gary Anderson, while debutant Charlie Manby produced a memorable 3-2 comeback against Cameron Menzies, including a decisive 120 checkout. “It’s a bit overwhelming, but it felt amazing up there,” Manby said.
Max Hopp returned to Ally Pally with a 3-1 win over Martin Lukeman, crashing in seven 180s, while veterans Brendan Dolan and Mensur Suljovic recorded 3-1 victories over Tavis Dudeney and David Cameron, respectively.
The championship continues Tuesday, with 2020/21 champion Gerwyn Price set to begin his title defence against Adam Gawlas, alongside world number six Danny Noppert and last year’s semi-finalist Chris Dobey.
Source: PDC.TV
