Darts star cries on stage ahead of World Championship debut

Wait 5 sec.

Dutch darts player Jurjen Van der Velde seemingly couldn’t contain his emotions before he had even thrown a dart in his World Championship debut.After his opponent, sixth seed and fellow Dutchman Danny Noppert had completed his walk-on, Van der Velde was visibly in tears and covered his face with a towel.Was he crying due to emotions or a spray he brought on stage?He was not the only member of his family who got swept up in the emotions.As Van der Velde reached the stage, the camera cut to his mother, who was seen crying while standing along the rail.Along with the pre-match emotions running high, Van der Velde ensured the iconic Ally Pally wasp would not go anywhere near him.The 23-year-old Dutchman decided he would keep the famous insect well away by bringing a can of Raid, a wasp and fly-killing spray, on stage with him.Rather than wait for the wasp to come near him, Van der Velde took business into his own hands and lathered himself in the anti-bug spray before the contest.But it wasn’t enough for him to inspire a shock win with Noppert winning the first-round clash 3-1.Van der Velde’s bold move to take bug spray on stage with him may inspire others given the chaos that has reigned with the Ally Pally wasp at this year’s World Championships.World No. 1 Luke Littler was the first major name to encounter the insect after his tournament opener as he ducked and weaved to avoid it during his post-match interview.Ross Smith, who had previously been stung by the wasp during an interview, had the insect land on the back of his collar but was none the wiser to it.View Tweet: https://t.co/T1KKWcZQeDThe 23-year-old came prepared to fend off the Ally Pally wasp…Sky SportsAnd got in a few pre-match sprays…Sky SportsThe wasp once again descended onto the stage at the end of Luke Humphries’ match against Ted Evetts, leading to the latter flicking it off his shirt.More to follow…