Wasp interrupts World Darts Championship as Ilagan flees Ally Pally insect

A wasp disrupted the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on Friday night, when Lourence Ilagan collected his darts from the board and was chased toward the drinks table by a buzzing insect during his round-one clash with Nathan Aspinall. The 47-year-old Filipino player looked back and then sprinted as the insect closed in, prompting a visible reaction from Aspinall.

Once the wasp realized Ilagan was its next target, the moment turned into a spectacle as Ilagan flailed his arms and ran away. The crowd let out huge jeers, and Sky Sports commentator Wayne Mardle uttered a startled line as the wasp circled the players. The broadcast cut back to Aspinall, who was visibly cracking up before refocusing on his own throws. The insect then returned in the opening set, and play had to be halted again when Aspinall swiped at it as it flew past.

Since the tournament began on December 11, the Ally Pally wasp has provided a running subplot, with several near misses illustrating its frequent visits. Earlier in the eight days, the wasp was struck by a dart thrown by Nitin Kumar, and it avoided Jurjen van der Velde's attempts to remove it with bug spray. It has also landed on Teemu Hajru's collar and on David Munyua's face, with Munyua later saying he tried to tuck the insect into his pocket to stay with him, noting that the disruption underscores the need for maximum concentration in a high-stakes event.

Munyua's reflection comes as other moments involving the wasp have punctuated coverage, including an opening-night moment when reigning world champion Luke Littler ducked and dodged to avoid the buzzing intruder during an interview. The insect's presence has become a running backdrop to a championship that has delivered high drama on the oche while providing moments of levity for players and spectators alike.

With Ilagan and Aspinall continuing their round-one contest, organizers have acknowledged the ongoing distraction as part of the event's unique atmosphere at the Ally Pally. The World Darts Championship, now in its early rounds, remains defined by high-level competition and, unexpectedly, a memorable wasp.