Stefan Bellmont dumps Raymond van Barneveld out of World Darts Championship as Wade ends Ally Pally drought
Stefan Bellmont subjected Raymond van Barneveld to a first round exit at the World Darts Championship on Wednesday, as James Wade ended a four-year wait for a win at Alexandra Palace.
Day Seven of the sport’s flagship event saw Wade halt his losing run at Alexandra Palace, on a night where Van Barneveld became the first former World Champion to crash out.
Bellmont became the first Swiss player to triumph at the PDC World Championship as he coasted to a clinical 3-0 victory over five-time World Champion Van Barneveld.
Bellmont, this year’s Challenge Tour Order of Merit winner, was ruthless in the doubling department, winning nine of the last ten legs to celebrate the biggest victory of his career.
“I have no words for this. I’m proud of myself,” said Bellmont, who will now take on Australian number one Damon Heta in the second round.
“I think this is a great moment for everyone in Switzerland, and I hope this makes more Swiss people come to the darts!
“Damon Heta is a brilliant player, but I will give my best and we will see what happens on Sunday.”
Wade, meanwhile, was without a win at the World Championship since 2021/22, but he snapped that streak in comprehensive style, courtesy of a straight-sets rout of Japan’s Ryusei Azemoto.
The four-time semi-finalist reeled off seven consecutive legs to book his place in round two, where he will take on Ricky Evans in a repeat of their clash at last month’s Grand Slam of Darts.
“I’m really happy with that, especially considering I haven’t won a game here for three years,” said Wade, who is making his 22nd consecutive World Championship appearance.
“I think tonight showed the practice I’ve been doing. It wasn’t spectacular, but when I really needed to produce something, it happened.
“This is the best I’ve felt coming here in the last four or five years, 100 per cent.”
Martin Schindler was Wednesday’s stand-out performer, defying a mid-game rally from Stephen Burton to clinch a 3-1 victory with an impressive 99 average.
Burton threatened to spring a surprise after winning set two without reply, only for Schindler to respond with a six-leg burst – aided by a tally of seven 180s – to close out victory.
“It was definitely a good performance,” reflected Schindler, who insists his status as German number one will not be a burden in his bid for World Championship glory.
“I don’t feel any pressure on my shoulders, because I’m here for myself and I’m playing for myself.
“I’m aware that fans and pundits are looking at me and they want me to win, but I need to perform and do my job, and that’s the most important thing.”
The opening match of the night saw US debutant Adam Sevada break new ground on the World Championship stage, defeating Canadian number one Matt Campbell in an all-North American battle.
Sevada was imperious on the outer ring, landing finishes of 117, 66 and 70 during a pivotal third set, before maintaining his composure to set up a showdown against rising star Charlie Manby.
Defeat for Campbell sees him surrender his PDC Tour Card following a four-year stint.
World Darts Championship 2025/26 Day Seven Results
Wednesday December 17
First Round
Matt Campbell 1-3 Adam Sevada
Raymond van Barneveld 0-3 Stefan Bellmont
James Wade 3-0 Ryusei Azemoto
Martin Schindler 3-1 Stephen Burton
