‘I was nervous’ – Darts star causes delay after walking off stage mid-match in bizarre scenes

A match at the WDF World Darts Championship was delayed for around a minute after a player walked off stage.

The bizarre scenes occurred during the first round match between Dalibor Smolik and Marko Kantele on Sunday afternoon.

WDF

Smolik and Kantele had been level at a set all when the former briefly left the stage.

It came just moments after the Czech star had missed two darts at double 16 to win the opening leg of the third set.

With Kantele at the oche for his turn, Smolik could be seen walking off the right-hand side of the stage.

Several members of the crowd pointed as he did so before looking over to where he had walked.

Meanwhile, Kantele finished his turn before realising his opponent had disappeared.

In an awkward moment, the Finnish arrowsmith could be seen talking to the referee as the camera angle cut to the back of the room to show them on stage.

After around a minute, Smolik reappeared to clinch the leg on double four after landing inside with his first dart at double eight.

It was pointed out on commentary during his absence that there were no scheduled breaks between sets in the match.

Following his return to the stage, the 46-year-old went on to secure a 3-1 victory to move into the second round.

He spoke to the WDF’s media channels following the match and revealed the reason behind his brief exit.

WDF

Smolik explained: “I was nervous and I needed to go to the toilet, but I think I played good and I am happy.”

Having beaten Kantele, he will now face 16th seed Paul Krohne of Germany in the second round.

The winner of that match is scheduled to take on top seed Jimmy van Schie in the last 16.

Smolik booked his spot at the tournament by coming through the WDF’s regional qualifying system.

He has already scooped £1,250 in prize money by winning his opening match.

Another victory against Krohne would see that figure rise to £2,000.

WDF

The winner of the open draw at Lakeside will take home £50,000 from the £146,000 prize fund.

This year’s tournament began on Friday and is set to run through to the final on Sunday, December 7.