Gerwyn Price reacts to shock second-round exit after whitewash defeat

December 22, 2025 Oliver Obel

Gerwyn Price did not arrive at Alexandra Palace hoping to compete. He arrived expecting to win.

A few days later, his World Darts Championship campaign was over, undone in a short, unforgiving match that handed Wesley Plaisier the biggest moment of his career and reminded everyone how thin the margins can be on the sport’s biggest stage.

When the numbers don’t save you

Price’s performance was not a collapse in the conventional sense. His 95.83 average would usually be enough to survive a second-round test. This time, it meant nothing.

World number 92 Plaisier was cleaner at the moments that decide legs. He punished missed doubles, stayed composed under pressure, and landed a 130 checkout that drew a sharp reaction from the Ally Pally crowd. The scoreboard told the story quickly: a 3–0 whitewash that left one of the pre-tournament favourites walking off stunned.

Sky Sports called it the biggest win of Plaisier’s career, and there was little room for argument. The Dutchman had never previously gone beyond the opening round of the championship. Now he moves into the round of 32 to face Poland’s Krzysztof Ratajski with confidence to spare.

Confidence that framed the upset

The contrast with Price’s pre-tournament mood was striking. After beating Adam Gawlas in the opening round, the former champion was clear about his mindset:

"I am winning, honest, I’m not losing. Nobody’s beating me this year."

He also addressed the pressure that comes with being among the favourites, explaining that he deletes social media before major events to stay focused. Belief, he said, came from trusting his own ability rather than outside noise.

That certainty only sharpened the sense of surprise when the match slipped away.

Respect in defeat

Price’s reaction afterward was measured. In a post on Instagram, he acknowledged both the support he received and his opponent’s timing:

"Absolutely gutted there. Had so much support, which was amazing. Wesley was great at the right moments, but I was way off, and it showed. Good luck to him and everyone else left on the tournament. See you in 2026. Merry Christmas and a happy new year."

Plaisier, speaking to Sky Sports, was still processing what had happened.

"I still cannot believe it, I am so over the moon. This is my biggest victory ever, I think."

He later admitted the nerves were constant and that he had gone into the match simply hoping to push Price hard rather than eliminate him.

Another chapter in a volatile championship

Price’s exit adds to a tournament already shaped by surprises. Coverage from the event has highlighted David Munyua becoming the first Kenyan to win a match at Alexandra Palace, while Motomu Sakai earned one of the loudest receptions of the week for his walk-on.

There have been early departures too. Former champion Michael Smith and Chris Dobey are already out, further evidence that reputation offers little protection once the lights come on.

For Price, the wait to reclaim the title goes on. For Plaisier, one calm performance has already changed how his career will be remembered.

Sources: Sky Sports, tournament organisers