Christian Kist gave a priceless reaction to winning £60k at the World Darts Championship (Image: Getty)
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 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 , 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.
Luke Littler is not able to claim the bookmaker’s prize this year (Image: Getty)
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“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.