Christian Kist was unaware that his incredible nine-darter was set to land him a £60,000 payday. The darts star threw just the 15th nine-darter in World Championship history during his defeat against Madars Razma.
An agreement between the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and a bookmaker is set to see £180k dished out for every 180. The prize is split into thirds, with the player, a lucky fan, and the charity Prostate Cancer UK taking a share each.
The deal was widely publicised ahead of the tournament. That was in part because darts sensation Luke Littler, 17, was excluded from the agreement due to his age. However, Kist was oblivious to his prize, which also landed a lucky fan, Kris, £60k.
“I didn’t know that at all, I hadn’t been told that. That is an absolute windfall,” the 38-year-old Dutchman said afterwards.
“Hitting the double 12 felt amazing. It was a lovely moment for everyone and I hope Kris enjoys the money. Maybe I will go on vacation next month.”
Kist’s £60k prize is the same amount he would have received for a routine run to the quarter-final. It will certainly soften the blow of losing in the first round.
The PDC revealed that a fan called Kris was the lucky recipient of a split of the £180k prize. Kris was celebrating his birthday at Alexandra Palace.
“I am speechless to be honest. I didn’t expect it to happen to me. I am shaking still, I can’t believe it,” he told PA.
“I am a massive darts fan, I came to a final 10 years ago with my brother and grandad, who I am here with tonight. I haven’t been back since. This was a birthday present so it makes it even better, my grandad got me tickets, it makes it even sweeter.”
Kist became the first player to seal a perfect leg since Michael Smith did so in the 2023 final. In one of the best legs of darts ever seen, Smith struck a nine-darter moments after Michael van Gerwen missed an attempt of his own.
Wednesday’s other results saw Nathan Aspinall navigate a tricky tie against Leonard Gates, winning 3-1. On Thursday, Martin Lukeman is in first-round action, facing Nitin Kumar, while 2023 champion Smith features in the second round against the impressive Kevin Doets.
