PDC World Championship hero’s Cole Palmer celebration immediately backfired in brutal fashion

Rashad Sweeting produced a moment of magic as he became a fan favourite on his PDC World Darts Championship debut.

However, the Candyman suffered a brutal exit from last year’s tournament at Alexandra Palace.

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The 35-year-old became the first Bahamian player to appear at Ally Pally after qualifying for his maiden PDC World Darts Championship.

Sweeting was rewarded with a first round tie against Jeffrey de Graaf in December 2024.

He instantly became a crowd favourite after going the wrong way to get onto the stage during his walkout.

The immigration officer would even win the first set as he threatened to stun De Graaf.

Sweeting’s surge to take the opening set was part of a five-leg streak as he moved to the brink of a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five-sets clash.

However, De Graaf fought back in the second set to level the score at 2-2.

Sweeting’s ‘cold’ moment

It was at this point that Sweeting produced the highlight of the match after getting down to 194.

He had the opportunity to win the leg and the set within six darts, with his first two landing in the triple 20 to the delight of the crowd.

As Sweeting checked the score, the fans inside the venue urged him to complete his first 180 of the match.

After smiling and shaking his head, he pinned the triple 20 once more as the crowd erupted.

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Sweeting then turned to the audience, raising his arms in the air before recreating Cole Palmer’s ‘cold’ celebration.

Despite his maximum, he was unable to checkout 14 on his next visit, with De Graaf capitalising to take the set and level the match.

The Swede would go on to win the next two sets to secure a 3-1 win, ending Sweeting’s magical debut.

His exit was not without more heroics, though, including a string of 180s and a 126 finish in the fourth set with De Graaf on match darts.

Sweeting would even go four darts into a perfect leg during the final set.

Fans will not be able to see him in action again at this month’s PDC World Darts Championship, though.

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Having qualified through the Championship Darts Latin America and Caribbean (CDLC) Order of Merit, he narrowly missed out on the same tour this year.

Despite two event wins on the CDLC Tour, Sweeting was pipped to qualification by Jesus Salate.

The Argentine darts star won four events on the tour to become his country’s first-ever representative at Ally Pally.

Salate will face Ryan Meikle in the first round during the afternoon session on Friday, December 19.