Wales opened their World Cup of Darts campaign with a 4‑1 victory over Lithuania in Frankfurt. Jonny Clayton partnered newcomer Nick Kenny to defeat Darius Labanauskas and Mindaugas Barauskas in a best‑of‑seven match. After dropping the first leg at the Eissporthalle, the Welsh duo claimed the next four to seal the win. The comeback demonstrated their chemistry and set a confident tone for the group stage.

Gerwyn Price’s withdrawal forced Wales into the group‑stage qualifiers, a route usually reserved for lower‑ranked nations. Their dominant performance puts them on track to finish top of Group C, alongside Thailand, and join the elite field that includes England, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland and Scotland in the knockout round. Finishing first not only guarantees progression but also avoids a tougher crossover match against a runner‑up.

A win against Thailand on Friday will secure Wales’ place in the second round, keeping their hopes of a third title alive. The result also signals that the new partnership can compete with the sport’s powerhouses, raising expectations among Welsh fans and adding another contender to the tournament’s narrative. Social media buzz reflected growing optimism, with supporters praising the pair’s composure under pressure.