South African darts player Cameron Carolissen, nicknamed “The Javelin,” faced a tough first-round challenge at the 2025 World Darts Championship against Dutchman Wessel Nijman, the tournament’s 7th seed. Despite a valiant comeback from two sets down to level the match, Carolissen was narrowly defeated 3-2 in a dramatic sudden-death leg.
Carolissen’s Resilient Comeback
The match began with Nijman dominating the first set 3-0, highlighted by a 139 finish in the opening leg, followed by an 18-darter and a 19-darter. The Dutchman continued his strong start by taking the second set 3-2, showcasing two impressive 13-darters.
Carolissen, however, found his rhythm in the third set. He capitalized on Nijman’s missed chances in the third leg to secure a 2-1 lead with a double 6 and sealed the set with a 14-darter. The momentum continued in the fourth set, where Carolissen responded to Nijman’s 115 finish by forcing a deciding leg with a 61 finish. A composed 17-darter in the final leg leveled the match at 2-2.
Deciding Set Drama: A Battle to the Final Dart
In the deciding set, Carolissen started strong with a 61 finish, but Nijman fought back with a 15-darter. The South African then came within a leg of victory with a 62 finish, only for Nijman to respond with an 11-darter to force a sudden-death leg.
Carolissen had the advantage of throwing first in the decisive leg and opened with a solid 123. However, Nijman countered with a 180, and with clinical precision, secured the win with a 14-darter after reaching 85 with nine darts.
🇳🇱🌍 @WesselNijman180 was pushed all the way in the first round of the PDC World Darts Championship this afternoon.
— Mission Darts (@MissionDarts) December 20, 2024
The Dutchman won through a last-leg decider to beat South Africa's Cameron Carolissen 3-2 and clinch his first win on the Ally Pally stage!#TeamMission pic.twitter.com/08S3u6LbP4
Carolissen’s Rise: A Star in South African Darts
This marks another step in Carolissen’s growing international career. Since winning the PDC African Qualifier in 2020 and debuting at the 2021 PDC World Darts Championship, he has continued to demonstrate his talent. His 2024 victory in the African World Championship Qualifier underlined his ability to perform under pressure.
Known for his precision and 24-gram darts, Carolissen’s performance against Nijman showcased his potential on the world stage. As he continues his journey, he remains a standout figure in South African darts, representing the country’s rising presence in the sport
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