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WITH the enlarged 128 player field and rapidly developing local darting infrastructure several nations and regions were expected to make an overdue impact in North London this year. It is not just the Belgians staring into the Alexandra Palace abyss wondering where it all went wrong. The North American contingent have also discovered that Ally Pally is not a particularly welcoming place right now. Cold, unforgiving, and very keen to send you packing - preferably in straight sets and with a long flight home for company.
So far, it has been a short and slightly joyless Christmas stay for the Stars and Stripes, with two Americans and a Canadian already through the exit doors before the turkey had even been carved. The first to feel the chill was Alex Spellman on Saturday night, who ran headlong into the Gabriel Clemens experience.
The North Carolina man did not disgrace himself by any stretch. He threw well, held his own, and showed flashes of why he belongs on this stage. But darts is not just about throwing well - it is about knowing how to survive the Ally Pally moment. Clemens, a recent World Championship semi-finalist, had been here before. Spellman had not. That difference told, and told quickly, as the German closed it out in straight sets.
That, in truth, has been the recurring theme for North America. Talent is not the issue. Ability certainly is not. What they lack is the weekly diet of elite opposition and the brutal education that comes from regular television majors where one loose leg can undo an entire evening’s work.
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Next up was Stowe Buntz, a man with Ally Pally memories already in the bank and a reputation forged during a memorable Grand Slam quarter-final run in 2023. This felt like a chance. He even averaged slightly higher than his opponent. But averages do not lift trophies, and they do not always win matches. James Hurrell, fuelled by Hillbilly grit and an uncanny knack for timing, pinched the big moments and walked away with a 3-1 victory, leaving Buntz to wonder how a better performance ended in the same result.
Monday afternoon brought Canadian, David Cameron to the stage, and with him, genuine quality. Low 90s average. Solid scoring. Calm under pressure. Unfortunately, he was met by Mensur Suljovic - a man nicknamed Big Gentle but possessed of a darting stranglehold that can suffocate the life out of matches. Cameron played well. Suljovic played smarter. Another 3-1 defeat. Another North American passport stamped for departure.
LAST NORTH AMERICAN STANDING: Leonard Gates brings the moves to Ally Pally
There is still hope, though. Leonard Gates remains in the draw for the USA, and he will absolutely fancy his chances on Friday afternoon against Mickey Mansell. Gates is fearless, explosive, and capable of dragging opponents into uncomfortable territory. If there is to be a star spangled banner flying into round two, he is a very good bet to be holding it. Do not underestimate the Northern Irishman however he has been around a while, has reached a major semi final and is not easily ruffled.
And there is at least one guaranteed success story across the Atlantic - albeit a slightly awkward one. Wednesday night sees Canadian Matt Campbell face American Adam Sevada, ensuring that one North American will make it through to round two by default. One advances, one falls, but at this stage, they will take that small mercy with open arms.
So the question remains. Can Leonard Gates battle through and join that guaranteed survivor, giving North America two seats at the round two table? Or will Ally Pally continue its festive tradition of harsh lessons and early flights home?
As ever at this tournament - the answer will come on the oche.
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