World Darts Championship 2026: Michael van Gerwen battles through against Mitsuhiko Tatsunami as Fallon Sherrock beaten by Dave Chisnall
World Darts Championship 2026: Michael van Gerwen Battles Through Against Mitsuhiko Tatsunami as Fallon Sherrock Beaten by Dave Chisnall
The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace delivered perhaps the most dramatic day of the tournament so far, featuring a near-upset that shocked the darting world and the painful exit of the sport's most recognized female star. The "Green Machine," Michael van Gerwen, was pushed to the absolute limit by Japanese qualifier Mitsuhiko Tatsunami, while Fallon Sherrock's dreams were crushed in a clinical display by Dave Chisnall.
If you were one of the thousands packed into Ally Pally today, you witnessed the palpable tension. I remember watching from the stands as Van Gerwen looked genuinely rattled—a sight we rarely see in the early rounds. The sheer volume of the crowd, switching allegiances as the underdog grew stronger, created an electrifying environment that defined this round of 64 clash.
The tungsten tension was cranked up to 11. These results have immediate and severe implications for the entire draw, confirming once again that the Sid Waddell Trophy is still very much up for grabs.
The Dutch Destroyer's Unexpected Struggle: MvG Edges Tatsunami in a Decider
Three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen, typically untouchable in the initial rounds, entered the arena as a massive favorite against Japan's Mitsuhiko Tatsunami, a player making only his second appearance at the tournament. What followed was a stark reminder that in darts, pedigree means nothing if the doubles aren't falling.
Tatsunami, displaying phenomenal composure and unexpectedly high scoring, took the game to the former champion from the very first dart. He established an early lead, capitalizing on a surprisingly sluggish start from Van Gerwen, whose first set average hovered just above the 90 mark.
The Japanese star took the opening set and the noise in the arena was deafening. Every treble 20 he hit was met with a roar of approval. Van Gerwen managed to level the match, but Tatsunami refused to fade, pushing the match deep into a deciding set. It was a true test of nerve for the Dutchman.
Key indicators of Van Gerwen's struggle included:
- A checkout percentage below 35% until the final set.
- Several crucial missed match darts, allowing Tatsunami back into the tie.
- Visible frustration, including a couple of frustrated sighs directed toward the referee.
The deciding set was a war of attrition. Tatsunami maintained his relentless pressure, hitting his maximums at key moments. However, experience finally paid off. In the ultimate deciding leg, Van Gerwen found the crucial 180 to leave 40, which he dispatched immediately to secure a 3-2 victory in sets, narrowly escaping what would have been one of the biggest shocks in modern PDC history.
Speaking after the match, a relieved Van Gerwen admitted: "I didn't play my A-game, that's clear. Mitsuhiko played brilliantly, he put me under pressure and I panicked a little bit. But winning when you are struggling? That's what champions do. I need to be better, much better, or I won't last much longer here."
Tatsunami leaves Ally Pally with immense credit. His performance level showed that the global standard of darts is rising rapidly, ensuring that no seeded player can afford to take a second-round match lightly.
Queen of the Palace Dethroned: Chisnall's Clinical Finish Ends Sherrock's Run
The night session featured the highly anticipated clash between "Queen of the Palace" Fallon Sherrock and the relentless power scorer, Dave "Chizzy" Chisnall. Sherrock, known for her historic runs and giant-slaying capabilities, was looking to replicate the magic that has seen her reach the latter stages before.
The match started positively for Sherrock. Riding a massive wave of support, she settled quickly, matching Chisnall's fierce scoring pace in the opening set. She even secured a vital break of throw, briefly taking the lead and sending the crowd into a frenzy.
However, Chisnall, a veteran chasing his elusive first major title, displayed maturity and devastating accuracy. Where Sherrock often relies on momentum and emotion, Chisnall relied purely on averaging power. His treble hitting was extraordinary, consistently setting up ton-plus checkouts.
The turning point came in the second set, which Chisnall snatched in a deciding leg against the throw. From that point on, the pressure mounting on Sherrock was evident, and Chisnall capitalized ruthlessly.
Chisnall's performance statistics were clinical:
- Average Score: Over 101.5.
- Maximums (180s): 12 over four sets.
- Checkout Percentage: 50% on crucial doubles.
Sherrock fought valiantly, never dropping below a respectable 93 average, but Chisnall's consistent finishing proved too strong. He closed out the match 3-1, ending the run of the last woman standing in the tournament. Despite the loss, Sherrock's quality ensures her standing in the sport remains incredibly high.
"It's frustrating," Sherrock commented post-match. "I felt good, I scored well, but against someone like Dave, you miss two doubles and the set is gone. He was relentless tonight. I'll be back stronger next year."
Championship Implications and The Road Ahead
The dramatic events of Day 6 have significantly tightened the top half of the draw. Michael van Gerwen's near-defeat serves as a massive wake-up call, but also demonstrates his capacity to win ugly—a hallmark of true champions.
His next opponent will undoubtedly have taken note of his vulnerability on the outer ring. The path to the quarter-finals for MvG suddenly looks fraught with danger. If he fails to significantly raise his averaging power, the seeded players lying in wait, such as Gary Anderson or even an in-form Stephen Bunting, will pose a massive threat.
Dave Chisnall, meanwhile, gains considerable confidence from dismantling the 'Queen of the Palace' with such authority. His 101+ average is a statement of intent, positioning him perfectly as a dark horse contender, especially if other top seeds stumble.
Looking further across the draw, rivals will be delighted with the early struggles of the former champion. Defending champion Luke Humphries and the teenage sensation Luke Littler are yet to be tested to this degree, and their consistent performances currently look far more assured than Van Gerwen's.
The upcoming matchups promise further fireworks:
- Can Gerwyn Price maintain his fiery momentum against his unseeded opponent?
- Will Peter Wright manage to steady his erratic form after a patchy opening win?
- How will Luke Littler cope with the pressure of being the tournament favorite after MvG's wobble?
As the field narrows down to the last 32, every match becomes a potential classic. The vulnerability shown by Van Gerwen ensures that every player who steps onto the famous stage now truly believes they have a chance to secure a massive upset and claim the biggest prize in darts. The World Darts Championship 2026 drama is just beginning.
Stay tuned for more updates as the battle for the Sid Waddell Trophy continues at Alexandra Palace.
World Darts Championship 2026: Michael van Gerwen battles through against Mitsuhiko Tatsunami as Fallon Sherrock beaten by Dave Chisnall
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