Dutch darts player Jurjen van der Velde experienced a dramatic and unconventional debut at the PDC World Darts Championship on Tuesday evening, as his attempt to combat a persistent wasp led to an accidental self-inflicted injury.

Van der Velde, competing at Alexandra Palace for the first time, brought a can of wasp spray onto the stage with him. Following his initial visit to the oche, he decided to deploy the spray in an effort to eliminate the airborne nuisance.

However, the tactic backfired immediately when Van der Velde inadvertently sprayed himself in the eyes. Despite the stinging discomfort, the rookie managed to compose himself sufficiently to win the first leg with a 120 checkout, though he narrowly avoided a score bust on his second dart.

Spectators were quick to react to the unusual incident, with social media buzzing with commentary. Many found the situation highly entertaining, with one user joking that the player was “getting bug spray in his eyes to keep that pesky wasp away.” Another described it as the “favourite thing to happen at the World Championship so far.”

The wasp, seemingly undeterred by the spray, reappeared later in the match, continuing its disruption. This further added to the spectacle of Van der Velde’s memorable, albeit chaotic, introduction to the prestigious tournament.

Van der Velde, who hails from a farming family in the Netherlands and helps manage approximately 180 cows, had earlier appeared visibly emotional as he walked onto the Ally Pally stage for his debut. His background contrasts sharply with the high-pressure environment of professional darts.

He has previously spoken about his early mornings on the farm, starting at 4:15 AM to milk cows and work the land. This demanding routine underscores his dedication to both his family’s agricultural business and his burgeoning darts career.

The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of live sporting events, where unexpected occurrences can often steal the spotlight. Van der Velde’s unique confrontation with the wasp has certainly ensured his PDC World Championship debut will not be forgotten.

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Keywords: Jurjen van der Velde, Ally Pally wasp, PDC World Darts Championship, wasp spray incident, darts debut, Alexandra Palace, sports drama, Jurjen van der Velde darts