Christian Kist Hits Perfect Leg, But Razma Seals 3-2 Win

Christian Kist hit a stunning nine-darter but lost his first-round match at the PDC World Championship to Madars Razma. The Dutchman became the first player to achieve a perfect leg in the tournament since Michael Smith’s remarkable nine-darter in the 2023 final against Michael van Gerwen. Kist’s brilliant performance earned him £60,000 which he will donate to charity with the same amount being awarded to a lucky spectator at Alexandra Palace in London.

The 38-year-old former BDO World Champion sealed the opening set with his nine-darter which included two maximum 180s and a 141 checkout finished with a double 12. However, Razma bounced back and won the match 3-2, advancing to the next round. The nine-darter is one of the rarest feats in darts, akin to a 147 break in snooker or a hole-in-one in golf. Kist’s achievement became the 15th nine-darter in World Championship history and a highlight of the tournament.

In a heartwarming moment, Kris, a railway worker from Sutton, London randomly won £60,000 for witnessing the perfect leg. The tournament’s sponsors also donated the same amount to Prostate Cancer UK. Kris, who attended the event with his grandad expressed overwhelming joy at the unexpected windfall, calling it the best birthday present. Meanwhile, two-time semi-finalist Nathan Aspinall overcame Leonard Gates 3-1 in his first-round match.

Aspinall dealing with injuries could face Andrew Gilding in the third round with Rob Cross and Luke Littler also in his side of the draw. Elsewhere, Jim Williams suffered a surprise defeat to Paolo Nebrida, losing 3-2 in a tense match that lasted over an hour. Ricky Evans won a thrilling 3-2 match against Gordon Mathers, setting up a second-round clash with Dave Chisnall.