At the 2026 World Darts Championship, Dutch player Jurjen van der Velde made headlines by using wasp spray during his debut match. This unusual tactic was employed in response to wasps swarming the playing area at the iconic Alexandra Palace in London.
Incident at Alexandra Palace
Jurjen van der Velde faced off against compatriot Danny Noppert in the first round. Before the match, Van der Velde brought bug spray on stage, intending to ward off the pesky insects. However, the match did not go as planned for him.
Match Outcome
- Jurjen van der Velde lost 3-1 to Danny Noppert.
- Despite his preparations, Van der Velde was still seen swatting away a wasp during the game.
Emotional Debut
In an emotional moment, Van der Velde was spotted using a flannel to wipe tears from his eyes. While some speculated this could have been a reaction to the bug spray, it was more likely due to the pressures of his first tournament appearance.
Professional Darts Corporation’s Response
The Professional Darts Corporation commented on the situation through social media, humorously questioning whether Van der Velde’s tears were from emotion or a bug spray mishap.
In summary, Jurjen van der Velde’s use of wasp spray at the 2026 World Darts Championship became a notable moment, illustrating the unpredictability of live sports and the challenges players face.
