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9 months ago
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Welcome back to the Soul of Sport. For our latest episode of the series, ANDY HOOPER travelled to Alexandra Palace to capture the action on the first two days of the World Darts Championship.
The festive event is a favourite among darting fanatics, with thousands of spectators descending on the famous venue to drink, chant songs and take in all the drama as the sport's best players lock horns.
On the opening night, reigning champion Michael Smith survived a scare to beat Kevin Doets, having been forced to battle back from behind against the world No 66.
As is traditional, those in attendance donned fancy dress, with costumes ranging from Mario to pretend royalty. Countless pints were then guzzled while a sea of 180 placards were thrust into the air after every maximum.
Our cameraman was on the ground to take in the best moments using Nikon Z8 and Z9 cameras with 24-70mm, 70-200mm and 400mm lenses.
Thousands of darting fanatics donned wild and wacky costumes for the opening day of the World Darts Championship
A range of bold looks were on display at Alexandra Palace with the famous tournament returning for the festive season
Merchandise was available for purchase inside the venue, with one jumper declaring this to be the season for drinking
A large Ally Pally sign outside proved to be the perfect place for spectators to flock together and take an array of pictures
Queues of people adorning their costumes stretched outside the doors as security guards conducted thorough checks
Two individuals donning flat caps and dressed like characters from the TV show Peaky Blinders were spotted in conversation
Two men dressed as a nurse and Mario respectively posed for a picture taken by another individual sporting a Luigi costume
One spectator proudly proclaimed the amount of days until he became a father while wearing green Paddy Power pants
One man bizarrely had a cocktail poured over his white shirt while he lay on the ground inside the venue during the session
A group came dressed as the Grinch and gathered around for a picture at the bar - while others sported large dartboards
Michael Smith was spotted conducting his post-match interview with Sky Sports while the crowd chattered during the break
Beer was the drink of choice once again with empty cups lined up the entire length of the large tables on the main floor
Every maximum was greeted with a sea of placards adorned with the number 180 in large yellow letters being thrust upward
Stowe Buntz sported a vibrant red shirt for his match against Kevin Doets, although he went on to lose in straight sets
PDC veteran Simon Whitlock, also a World Cup winner, was in action on the second day and sported his now trademark braids
Smith was forced to valiantly battle back from two sets to one behind to down Doets and book his spot in the third round
The eye-catching 180 placards were held aloft on dozens of occasions across the first two nights with the maximums flowing
Among the best costumes were large ketchup bottles, with one spectator in particular snapping holding a comical sign
Smith soaked up the applause of the crowd as he embarked on his walk-on ahead of the first match of his title defence
Smith roared with delight after beating Doets with the world No 1 avoiding the most seismic of early shocks at the tournament
English (US)