The afternoon session of the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship on December 28th delivered three third-round matches at the Alexandra Palace. While Ryan Searle and Rob Cross dominated their opponents with clinical performances, Gary Anderson survived a stunning seven-set thriller, nearly hitting a nine-darter to secure his place in the next round.
Searle Outclasses Germany's Best
In the opening match, 20th seed Ryan Searle faced Germany’s Martin Schindler. Searle displayed some of the best form of his career, averaging 102.29 and clinical finishing to sweep Schindler 4–0. While the German kept pace in the first two sets, he faltered at crucial moments, which the Englishman punished ruthlessly. Searle won the final nine legs consecutively, signaling his intent as a serious title contender.
Cross Dominates Heta
In the second clash, 2018 World Champion Rob Cross also secured a 4–0 victory over Australia’s Damon Heta. Despite the whitewash, the match was closer than the scoreline suggests; Heta missed several set darts in both the second and third sets. However, Cross’s experience proved decisive. Maintaining a mid-90s average and steady scoring, he ground down his opponent to set up a mouth-watering clash with defending champion Luke Littler.
Anderson’s Drama and the Near Nine-Darter
The highlight of the afternoon was undoubtedly the battle between two-time World Champion Gary Anderson and Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena. "The Flying Scotsman" fired 14 maximums (180s) and averaged over 101, but Wattimena fought back from 1–3 down to force a deciding set. In the final set, Anderson was an inch away from perfection: after eight perfect darts, he narrowly missed double 12 for a nine-darter. Eventually, Anderson clinched the tie-break to win 4–3.
Stats and Quotes
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Ryan Searle (102.29) 4–0 Martin Schindler (92.5)
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Rob Cross (94.8) 4–0 Damon Heta (90.2)
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Gary Anderson (101.4) 4–3 Jermaine Wattimena (96.5)
Gary Anderson reflected on the match: "To be honest, my hand was shaking at the end for that nine-darter. Jermaine played fantastic darts, but I’m glad the triples were there when I needed them most."
Ryan Searle added: "I’ve never felt more comfortable on this stage. The 102 average shows I’m heading in the right direction."
The World Championship continues in the evening session with big names like Michael van Gerwen taking the stage.
(Image: James Fearn/Getty Images)
