A WDF World Darts Championship match was forced to take a short break after one of the players decided to leave the oche
A WDF World Darts Championship match was abruptly paused after a player mysteriously vanished from the oche. The game between Finland’s Marko Kantele and Czechia’s Dalibor Smolik was put on hold when the latter unexpectedly left the stage during his opponent’s throw.
The WDF World Darts Championship is the successor to the previous BDO World Darts Championship at Lakeside. It is the fourth edition of the WDF event, which kicked off in 2022 and rivals the PDC World Darts Championship.
Both Kantele and Smolik were vying for a spot in the second round when the unusual incident occurred. After splitting the first two sets, Smolik had 16 remaining in the first leg of the third but couldn’t immediately check out after dashing off stage for an unplanned break.
As Kantele finished his throw, leaving himself with 50, the broadcast team noticed that Smolik had stepped away from the oche. “Well, Dalibor Smolik has just walked off the stage for reasons unknown. I wonder if he may have been caught short,” one commentator suggested.
Another broadcaster replied: “Perhaps. I did mention that there’s no breaks in this game.
READ MORE: Gerwyn Price issues plea on Instagram as darts star offers money rewardREAD MORE: Darts commentator stuns viewers by revealing world champion’s X-rated comment
“Maybe he wasn’t aware of that after he won the second set. He did rush off the stage rather quickly.”
A commentator responded: “Well, a highly irregular situation at Lakeside.”
Upon returning from his brief break, Smolik was welcomed back with applause from the crowd. After exchanging handshakes with his opponent and receiving his score update from an official, the 46-year-old was thrust straight back into the match.
As Smolik targeted double eight, a commentator said: “Imagine if he hits this, first dart.” He subsequently struck double four to claim the opening leg of the third set and end the bizarre chapter of the match.
After Smolik had successfully checked out, a commentator added: “Took him a little bit longer than expected. Dalibor Smolik has got the first leg in this third set, it is a break of throw as well.”
Smolik proceeded to secure a 3-1 win over Kantele, progressing through the tournament. He will face Germany’s Paul Krohne in the second round on Monday evening.
The winner of the WDF World Darts Championship will pocket the £50,000 top prize. The reigning champion is Shane McGuirk, who has already advanced to the third round.
