Many people gathered at Alexandra Palace to watch the World Darts Championship. However, they had to check their Covid status before entering the arena because of the increasing dangers from Omicron.
As the annual spectacle was held in London, a full crowd of 3000 people were present. The same number of spectators could be expected to attend all the 28 sessions over the following days.
Fans were happy despite the threat from Covid and many continued to wear fancy dress.
On Wednesday, Darts enthusiasts were at Alexandra Palace for the World Championships
Many were fine despite the growing threat of Covid as they enjoyed darts
As he was dressed up as Scooby Doo, one spectator joined the fun of fancy dress.
One person dressed up as Father Christmas and wore a mask to add some festive cheer.
Some others dressed up as Scooby Doo and other fancy costumes to forget about Omicron’s fear for at least a couple of hours.
As of Wednesday, all individuals attending Alexandra Palace must produce an NHS Covid Pass upon entry. This includes proof that you have been fully vaccinated, natural immunity, or a positive lateral flow test.
These rules do not apply for anyone below the age 18.
These were created in response to an Omicron-related ‘tidal waves’ of infections.
Plan B is for supporters who are in large stadiums of more than 10,000 capacity. This includes the Alexandra Palace, which falls because of its sheer size.
Fans have been warned by the PDC that they will not be allowed to show their Covid status.
Even with the strict measures in place, some fear that the tightening of government regulations could mean fans are not allowed to attend the event. Eddie Hearn, however insists that the event will continue.
At Alexandra Palace, all visitors must present an NHS Covid Pass.
‘If anything happens, firstly we will cry a little bit – and then we will lick our wounds and go to work,’ Hearn, who took over from father Barry as head of the events organisation last April, told the Sun.
“We all know what it is now that we are all in business. We’ll always follow the rules of government.
“We will ensure that it is a safe and friendly environment. We will also adapt as necessary to comply with any rules changes.
‘If we have to adapt in the circumstances – whether that is distancing, implementing masks in the venue or reducing the crowds – we have the expertise to do all of that.
“It would be really shame, because it was missed last year. It is back this year in full. The agenda includes fancy dress.
The venue will require that fans cover their faces.
The crowd on Wednesday saw Gerwyn Price, the defending champion, overcome a setback and defeat Ritchie Edhouse 2-1 to advance to round 3.
With victory over Gary Anderson, the Welshman won the title in 2021. The final was held behind closed doors in January.
The Iceman received a frosty welcome from the crowd at Palace, his return to the Palace after almost two years.
Gerwyn Price lets loose a gasp of excitement after coming from behind in order to win his second-round tie
Peter Hudson was beaten by Edhouse in the initial match. Price lost the second set, which he won 3-0.
The price was levelled when Price edged the second set on the deciding leg. He then claimed 130 points to win the third set.
He maintained his momentum by moving ahead 2-0 in the fourth set. Then, he went on to win what proved to be a comfortable win with a sixth leg.
Price, who is not expected to play again before Christmas and could possibly meet Fallon Sherrock, stated on Sky Sports that ‘I don’t know about scares but I let my guard down in the first set. Missed doubles. And put myself under pressure.
“The 130th shot was the one that won the game for me. I felt I performed particularly well during the final stages, after I had slipped up earlier.
Price stated that they were back after the audience reacted to the announcement. These (Covid restrictions) rules need to change in the coming weeks so that I can win again.
“It was good today. As long as one player remains in the game, this is how the crowd will be.
“I should be more clinical and ruthless, take my chances, shut them out.
Price received a beating from the crowd while he attempted to defend the title which he was awarded in January
Adrian Lewis, a former world champion and two-time winner of the title, also returned from Wednesday’s setdown to defeat Canada’s Matt Campbell 3-1. Anderson will be in action for the second round.
Campbell had won the first set. ‘Jackpot,’ Lewis, was nicknamed “The Ginja Ninja” and he racked up three legs in succession to tie the match.
Lewis was the 2011 and 2012 world champions. He then won the third set by breaking throw and landing two more 180s to win the fourth set.
Ricky Evans breezed past Indian qualifier Nitin Kumar, landing checks of 167/130 and four maximums in an easy 3-0 victory that booked his place for round two.
After defeating Hudson, Edhouse secured his chance at Price earlier.
Hudson replaced Lihao Wen as main draw player after PDC China’s champion had to cancel on the last day due to visa delays.