What is the Ally Pally wasp that keeps attacking darts and snooker players?
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THE Ally Pally wasp has become a recurring character, not unlike a pantomime villain, who turns up to wreak havoc at the World Darts Championship. This infamous insect has gained notoriety for its countless cameos during matches. To be clear there is more than one wasp pestering players at the oche, but it's funnier to make-believe it's just one flying fiend hellbent on mischief.
![[The Ally Pally wasp landed in Callan Rydz's hair during his last-16 tie against Robert Owen]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image_ba76a1.png?strip=all&w=620)
Several players have encountered the Ally Pally wasp(s) during the championship over the years. After Scott Williams took a 2-1 lead in sets during his victory over Australia's Damon Heta, the Englishman attempted to karate chop the irritating insect. At the same championship, the wasp landed on Callan Rydz's head during his last-16 match-up with Robert Owen.
![[Thankfully he didn't seem to be affected and went on to win the match]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image_b6b1ba.png?strip=all&w=389)
During Luke Littler's quarter-final victory over Brendan Dolan the previous year, the Nuke appeared to be stung on the arm. Perhaps the most dramatic encounter occurred during that same World Championship, involving Ross Smith. After winning his second-round match against Niels Zonneveld, Ross' post-match interview was interrupted when the wasp stung him, prompting an expletive-laden reaction.
![[Luke Littler was another of the wasp's victims]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image_5a14ea.png?strip=all&w=620)
Once he'd regained his composure, Ross said: “I got stung three times, I’m going to be like the Elephant Man tomorrow. "It went ping, ping, ping and flew off. Luckily it’s my left hand.". The Ally Pally wasp has transcended its role as a mere insect to become a cultural icon within the darts community.
