KAI GOTTHARDT has secured his spot in the second round of the PDC World Championship, despite an unusual incident during his victory over Alan Soutar.

The 29-year-old German made his World Darts debut on Monday afternoon, competing against the Scotsman before an excited audience at Ally Pally.

Kai Gotthardt's match with Alan Soutar was suspended on Monday at the Ally Pally

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Kai Gotthardt’s match with Alan Soutar was suspended on Monday at the Ally PallyCredit: X formerly Twitter / @OfficialPDC
During the first set, the German debutant realized he only had two working darts

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During the first set, the German debutant realized he only had two working dartsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @OfficialPDC
The 29-year-old had somehow managed to snap the barrel clean in half

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The 29-year-old had somehow managed to snap the barrel clean in halfCredit: X formerly Twitter / @OfficialPDC
Gotthardt was led from the stage as he'd forgotten to bring a spare set

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Gotthardt was led from the stage as he’d forgotten to bring a spare setCredit: X formerly Twitter / @OfficialPDC

Ranked No. 135 globally, Gotthardt entered the first-round match as a significant underdog.

He delivered a commendable performance, moving on to Round Two with a 3-1 victory over the experienced Soutar.

However, an unusual event in the first set sparked a flurry of social media commentary and resulted in the suspension of the match.

While trailing 2-1 in legs, Gotthardt informed officials that he had only two usable darts.

The startled German presented his darts to caller George Noble, who quickly directed him off the stage.

It appeared that he had accidentally broken the barrel of one of his darts completely.

On his inaugural appearance at the sport’s biggest venue, he had neglected to bring a backup set.

Sky Sports cameras captured the bewildered newcomer searching for a new set in his dressing room.

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Meanwhile, a confused Soutar engaged with the animated crowd while he waited alone at the oche.

One fan remarked on X: “Three legs into his debut, and this happens. Unbelievable.”

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Another commented: “That’s not great marketing if he’s hoping to sell them.”

A third added: “It’s ridiculous that he only brought one set of darts to the stage, without any spare barrels or flights.”

Sky commentator Chris Mason stated on air: “I’ve seen points break. At first, I thought it was the point that snapped, but it was the actual barrel!”

“Dart designs have significantly evolved, incorporating various tungsten elements to enhance weight distribution either at the front or back.

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“On occasion, manufacturing can expose a weak point.

“Generally, players will keep an entire spare set in their case in case a point breaks.

“But leaving the stage to retrieve a completely different set of darts mid-game is something I’ve never witnessed before.”

Despite this setback, Gotthardt returned to produce one of the finest performances of his career.

The 29-year-old averaged 89.10, achieving 34 visits of 100 or more in his 3-1 victory.

Gotthardt is set to face fan-favorite Stephen Bunting in the second round on Friday.