The opening rounds of the World Darts Championship 2026 delivered drama, tension, and no shortage of talking points at Alexandra Palace, as Michael van Gerwen survived a major scare while Fallon Sherrock’s campaign came to a disappointing end against an in-form Dave Chisnall.
Van Gerwen, a three-time world champion and perennial favourite on the Ally Pally stage, was forced into one of the most uncomfortable battles of his illustrious career against Japanese qualifier Mitsuhiko Tatsunami. Although the Dutchman eventually progressed, the performance raised eyebrows throughout the darts world.
From the outset, van Gerwen looked uncharacteristically off his rhythm. His trademark heavy scoring was inconsistent, his finishing faltered, and his body language suggested frustration rather than confidence. Tatsunami, competing on the sport’s biggest stage with little pressure and everything to gain, played with freedom and discipline, repeatedly punishing van Gerwen’s missed doubles and refusing to be overawed by the occasion.
The Japanese thrower’s steady scoring and composed approach kept the match close far longer than most expected. Several times, Tatsunami threatened to level the contest, and murmurs rippled through Alexandra Palace as van Gerwen struggled to assert control. While the Dutchman ultimately found just enough quality at crucial moments to edge through, it was widely regarded as one of his poorest World Championship displays in years.
After the match, van Gerwen was candid in his assessment, admitting he was far from his best and would need a significant improvement to progress deeper into the tournament. With the standard at the 2026 championship already proving ruthless, performances like this may not be enough against elite opposition in later rounds.
Elsewhere on the same night, the spotlight shone on Fallon Sherrock, whose return to the World Championship stage carried emotional weight following a challenging year both on and off the oche. However, hopes of another memorable Ally Pally run were extinguished by Dave Chisnall, who produced a commanding and professional performance to secure victory.
Chisnall’s power scoring proved decisive. From the first leg, he set a relentless pace, repeatedly hitting big scores and applying constant pressure. Sherrock, renowned for her composure and clutch finishing in previous World Championship campaigns, struggled to find her usual fluency. Missed opportunities at key moments allowed Chisnall to seize control, and he rarely looked back.
Despite flashes of brilliance from Sherrock, including moments that reminded fans why she remains one of the most influential figures in modern darts, Chisnall’s consistency and experience were ultimately too much. The defeat marked an early exit for Sherrock, whose Ally Pally story has been defined by historic highs but also by the unforgiving nature of elite competition.
For Chisnall, the victory represented a strong statement of intent. Often viewed as a dangerous floater capable of troubling top seeds, he looked sharp, focused, and confident—attributes that could carry him deep into the tournament if maintained.
As the World Darts Championship 2026 continues, these opening encounters underline the brutal reality of the sport’s biggest event. Even legends like Michael van Gerwen are not immune to vulnerability, while reputations offer no protection against opponents willing to seize their moment. For fans, it is precisely this unpredictability that makes Ally Pally such a compelling stage.
With shocks looming and standards rising, the message is clear: survival alone may not be enough in a tournament where every match demands excellence.
