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20 Dec 2025
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20 Dec 2025
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Limerick man William O'Connor
LIMERICK William O’Connor safely secured his place in the second round of the PDC World Darts Championship on Friday evening.
Throwing a stunning 102.36 average, the highest in the tournament to date, O’Connor enjoyed a 3-0 success over Krzysztof Kciuk, who was simply no match.
The Cappamore native defeated Kciuk of Poland to set up a second-round clash with three-time world champion Michael Van Gerwen this Tuesday, December 23.
READ NEXT: 'The best way to develop players is through winning games' says Limerick minor hurling manager Diarmuid Mullins
With the victory, O’Connor bounces back from a rare opening round defeat 12 months ago, when losing to Dylan Slevin of Tipperary. He looked slick and focused, right from the get-go, taking the opening leg with a 167 checkout.
"If he carries on like this, give him the trophy!"
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 19, 2025
What a finish from O'Connor pic.twitter.com/uxEExEBhLp
This was part of the final night of action in the opening round, with the competition expanded to 128 competitors.
The 39-year-old also threw seven 180’s which saw the North London crowd at Alexandra Palace beam out his walk-on songs at regular intervals. Ireland’s number one certainly enjoyed the experience.
After opening the evening session with the crowd-pleasing walk-on song, ‘Zombie’, by The Cranberries, those in support quickly jumped in to support a player clearly in fine form after a consistent 2025.
O’Connor ranked highly in the Pro Tour Order of Merit and has won over 65% of his games this season, a career high.
"Bring 'em on, I'm ready for 'em"
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 19, 2025
William O'Connor is ready to face MVG next pic.twitter.com/gomRP4ZkhN
After sneaking the opening set 3-2, O’Connor threw a 109.98 average in set two to take all three legs. Kciuk had no answer in the final set, as another three sets, including a neat 77 checkout, helped O’Connor over the line.
Michael Van Gerwen will represent a huge step up in class but this confidence boosting victory should enthuse O’Connor ahead of that clash.
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