Ally Pally wasp strikes again at World Darts Championship after landing on Callan Rydz's head
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Callan Rydz became the latest victim of Alexandra Palace's notorious wasp problem during his fourth round World Darts Championship match against Robert Owen on Monday.
The Newcastle native was in the opening stages of the second set when the insect landed on his head, creating yet another wasp-related disruption at the prestigious venue.
The incident occurred whilst Rydz was in his throwing motion, with the wasp perched delicately on the back of his head before flying away.
Social media erupted as viewers noticed the wasp's presence, while Rydz appeared oblivious to his uninvited guest.
Callan Rydz had no idea a wasp dropped on his head
PA/Sky Sports
"Does Rydz know he's got a wasp on his head?" one user wrote on X.
Another fan questioned: "How has Rydz not noticed the wasp chilling on his hair."
"There's actually a wasp on Rydz's head and he doesn't know," posted a third viewer.
Whether Rydz maintained his composure deliberately or was genuinely unaware of the wasp's presence remains unclear, though many social media users speculated he had no knowledge of the incident.
This is not the first wasp encounter at the 2024 World Championships, with several players facing similar disruptions.
Scott Williams had his own memorable interaction with the infamous Ally Pally wasp after taking a 2-1 lead in sets.
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Callan Rydz beat Robert Owen on Monday afternoon
PA
Rather than swatting the descending insect away, Williams, nicknamed 'Shaggy', opted for an unusual approach by attempting to karate chop the bug.
Australian star Damon Heta also found himself dealing with the troublesome wasp during his match.
The series of incidents has turned the Alexandra Palace wasp into something of a recurring character at this year's championship.
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The return of the Ally Pally wasp... on Callan Rydz's head! 🐝😆 pic.twitter.com/8qFOnhRUPp
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 30, 2024
Perhaps the most dramatic wasp encounter at Alexandra Palace occurred during last year's World Championships, involving Ross Smith.
Following his 3-1 victory over Niels Zonneveld in their second round match, Smith's post-match interview was dramatically interrupted.
Mid-response to a question about being the tournament's dark horse, Smith exclaimed: "There's the wasp! He's just done me, he's just stung me like a good'un, little w*****!"
Rydz went on to beat Owen in a pulsating encounter 4-3 to book himself a spot in the quarter-final.
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