The charismatic and enigmatic, Peter Wright arrived at Ally Pally for the seventeenth time dressed exactly as you’d expect a man like Peter Wright to arrive — as the Grinch, of course. Because if you’re going to invade Christmas, you might as well do it properly. Across from him stood the Noa van Leuven, making just a second appearance on the sport’s biggest stage and dreaming of a scalp that would echo around Muswell Hill.
This is not the vintage, peak-Snakebite version that once terrorised fields at will — but even a slightly dulled Wright still carries venom. Ask Luke Humphries, who found that out the hard way twelve months ago. Netherlands Noa produced a performance to be proud of, but darts matches are decided in moments, not minutes. And when those moments arrived at the back end of sets, Wright did what champions do. He pounced. Efficient. Ruthless. Three sets. Zero conceded. Job done. Arno Merk now waits for last year’s quarter-finalist.
But if fancy dress and routine excellence were the starter, the main course was served up with chaos, drama, and a serious spike in heart rate. Monday afternoon may have been scheduled quietly on paper, but nobody told Charlie Manby and Cameron Menzies. What followed was an all-out tungsten street fight — and one of the most electric matches of the tournament so far.
Manby, the Yorkshire youngster, produced a performance soaked in fearlessness and nerve to dethrone the seeded Scot in a match that swung violently in both directions. Legs flew by. Chances were missed. Then missed again. In a final leg that felt like it might never end, it was Manby who held his nerve just long enough to land the decisive blow. Ally Pally erupted.
What followed was… less controlled. As the realisation set in, Menzies — consumed by the kind of frustration only darts can generate — dropped to his knees and delivered a few uppercuts to his drinks table. Raw emotion. No filter. To his credit, he quickly embraced Manby in sportsmanlike fashion, but the damage was done. You could feel how much it hurt.
For “Champagne Charlie”, the party continues. A clash with North American opposition awaits — Matt Campbell or Adam Sevada — and the belief is growing. For Menzies? There may be a phone call coming from the DRA once they finish chatting with Joe Cullen.
Youth versus experience was back on the menu as Brendan Dolan negotiated his way past the lively Tavis Dudeney. The Brighton youngster impressed, played without fear, and lit up the stage — but the numbers tell the story. Both men created thirty chances at doubles. The difference? Dolan took them.
That’s the gap between potential and progress. Nine maximums on debut is nothing to be sniffed at, and Dudeney will be back stronger. On this occasion, though, the History Maker moves on — and Ryan Searle now lies in wait.
Finally, there was delight for Mensur Suljovic, who delivered a composed, authoritative display to see off David Cameron. After trading the opening sets, The Gentle tightened the screws and closed out the match with the calm of a man who’s been here before.
Cameron leaves with pride intact — a ton-plus average and a performance worthy of the stage — but it’s Suljovic who marches on, setting up a tasty clash with Joe Cullen. Fancy dress. Fireworks. Fury. And first-time dreams coming true. Just another afternoon at the Palace.
Monday 15th December – Afternoon Session Results
Brendan Dolan 3-1 Tavis Dudeney
Cameron Menzies 2-3 Charlie Manby
Mensur Suljovic 3-1 David Cameron
Peter Wright 3-0 Noa van Leuven
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC
