Overview
- Referee Charlie Corstorphine tried blowing a wasp off the stage during Dave Chisnall’s match with Ricardo Pietreczko on Saturday, reflecting ongoing on-stage interruptions.
- On Friday, Lourence Ilagan fled a pursuing wasp during his match against Nathan Aspinall, prompting a brief halt after Aspinall swiped at the insect.
- The Professional Darts Corporation previously rebuked Jurjen van der Velde for spraying insect repellent on stage, citing safety and allergy concerns.
- Wasp expert Professor Seirian Sumner told the PDC via the BBC that queen wasps are likely being roused by warmth, bright lights and mild weather.
- Recurring incidents this tournament have included a wasp being struck by a dart and David Munyua briefly pocketing one, turning the insect into a viral talking point.