Man Lok Leung stuns Gian van Veen on World Championship debut as Price powers into Round Three

Man Lok Leung pulled off a sensational comeback to defeat Gian van Veen in a memorable World Darts Championship debut, while Gerwyn Price sealed a crushing win over Connor Scutt.

Leung recovered from 2-0 down in sets to dump out the highly-fancied Dutchman and steal the show on Night Four at Alexandra Palace.

The Hong Kong thrower delivered one of the best performances ever produced by an international qualifier on the Ally Pally stage, averaging 96.3 and fired in an incredible 11 maximums.

Van Veen edged a high-quality opening set, before doubling his lead in a remarkable second which saw the Asian Tour qualifier squander 12 darts across three legs to level the tie.

However, Leung maintained his relentless barrage of treble hitting to force his way back into the contest, winning six of the next eight legs to send the match into a deciding set.

The 24-year-old continued to outscore the European Championship semi-finalist in the closing stages, reeling off legs of 17, 13 and 16 darts to set up a clash against last year’s semi-finalist Gabriel Clemens.

“I am so happy, because I never thought I could win this match,” admitted Leung – a winner of three PDC Asian Tour titles in 2023.

“I have never played in the World Championship before, so I wanted to enjoy it on the stage and show everyone what I can do.

“I have played against Gabriel in the World Cup. I know he’s a great player, but I have nothing to lose.”

Meanwhile, Price produced a merciless display to open his World Championship campaign with a 3-0 victory over debutant Scutt.

The 38-year-old averaged 98 and piled in five 180s to send out a clear message to his title rivals on his return to the sport’s biggest stage.

Price, one of seven World Champions in this year’s field, wrapped up the opening set with a ton-plus average, and he extended his winning run to six straight legs to continue the procession.

Scutt opened his account with a 121 finish on tops to kick off set three, before Price survived a late scare, responding to five missed match darts by conjuring up a classy 12-darter to seal his progress.

“It was a decent performance, but there’s plenty more in the tank,” said Price.

“The first round is always tough. You don’t want to be going home before Christmas, so I’m glad I’ve won this game, and hopefully I will come back a little bit better and more refreshed.

“I know my game is in a good place. I’m playing well, so fingers crossed I can go all the way.”

Thibault Tricole also created history a memorable night of action, becoming the first French player to compete at the World Championship, and marking his debut with a 3-1 win over Mario Vandenbogaerde.

Despite squandering two darts to win an edgy opening set, Tricole responded superbly to make his mark on the sport’s biggest stage, landing three 180s and pinning 46 per cent of his attempts at double to triumph.

“I am so proud to be here,” reflected Tricole, who will meet 2018 World Champion Rob Cross in round two on Thursday December 21.

“Mario is a good friend of mine on the circuit. He didn’t play his best game, but I took advantage of his mistakes, and I am very happy to win.

“There was a lot of media attention before this game, so winning my first game – I think this will be a good moment for the sport in France.”

Martin Lukeman moved through to a Second Round tie against Damon Heta courtesy of a hard-fought 3-1 win over New Zealand’s Haupai Puha.

Lukeman produced finishes of 114 and 110 con his way to establishing a two-set lead, before defying a mid-game rally from Puha to return to winning ways on the big stage.

“I’m a fighter, that’s what I do,” declared Lukeman, who is relishing his clash against Australia’s number one on Thursday.

“This is the one that everyone wants. You work all year to get here, and every player wants to compete at the World Championship.

“Damon is an absolute gentleman. He’s a great guy and we always have a battle. I’m looking forward to it.”

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World Darts Championship 2023/24 Day Four Results

Monday December 18

Mario Vandenbogaerde 1-3 Thibault Tricole (R1)
Gian van Veen 2-3 Man Lok Leung (R1)
Martin Lukeman 3-1 Haupai Puha (R1)
Gerwyn Price 3-0 Connor Scutt (R2)