One of the enduring charms of the World Darts Championship is the way it shines a spotlight on players outside the usual headline acts. Every year, a handful of competitors arrive with little fanfare and leave having made a real impression.
This year,, in the first few days, Arno Merk, Andreas Harrysson, and David Davies have all done exactly that, each announcing themselves in very different ways.
Arno Merk – Germany’s Calm Competitor
Arno Merk represents an ever growing darts nation in Germany, and his presence at the World Championship is no accident. A consistent performer in the German Super, League Merk has built his game on composure, discipline, and control rather than raw power.
In his first-round match, Merk showed impressive maturity, settling quickly and never looking overawed by the occasion. He played with a relaxed rhythm, managed the pace of the match well, and demonstrated a calmness on doubles that many debutants struggle to find. That was all key in defeating the vastly experiened Kim Huybrechts.
What stands out is his mindset. Merk throws like someone who expects to compete at this level, not someone simply happy to be involved. That confidence, combined with his steady style, makes him a dangerous opponent in any format.
Andreas Harrysson – Sweden’s Scoring Force
Where Merk is measured and methodical, Andreas Harrysson is all about firepower. One of Sweden’s most talked-about players in recent seasons, Harrysson has long been known for his ability to score heavily when in rhythm.
That scoring power was on display in his opening-round victory against Ross Smith, where he immediately caught the eye with sustained pressure and aggressive finishing. Those on the inside may not have seen it as a big upset as Harrysson plays at a positive tempo, commits fully to his shots, and doesn’t shy away from big moments.
His performance suggested a player who is ready for this stage. If he continues to tighten up on doubles, his ceiling is very high and he looks capable of causing problems for more established names.
David Davies – Experience Paying Off
Welshman David Davies may not be new to high-level darts, but the World Championship has given him a platform to show just how far his game has progressed.
A regular on the Challenge Tour and a familiar face on the MODUS Super Series, Davies has built resilience through experience. That background was evident in his first-round win againt Mario Vandenbogarde, where he stayed composed under pressure and showed strong match awareness.
Davies doesn’t rely on flashy scoring spells, instead he grinds opponents down, takes his chances when they come, and rarely gives easy legs away. It’s a style that often goes under the radar but is incredibly effective on a big stage.
Why These Performances Matter
What links Merk, Harrysson and Davies is not just that they won early matches — it’s how they did it:
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They looked comfortable on the biggest stage
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They played with belief rather than nerves
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They showed styles that can trouble higher-ranked opponents
These are the kinds of performances that turn 'unknown names' into players fans start watching more closely.
Final Thought
Not every World Championship story is about lifting the trophy. Some are about making a statement and Arno Merk, Andreas Harrysson and David Davies have all done just that.
They may not go all the way this year, but they’ve already achieved something important: they’ve announced themselves.
And in darts, that’s often the first step toward much bigger things.
