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# Ed Sheeran watches Ipswich window cleaner lose to Dutch caravan salesman in World Darts Championship
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/ed-sheeran-watches-ipswich-window-cleaner-lose-to-dutch-caravan-salesman/
- Published: 2024-12-20T15:03:11.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:26:48.000Z
- Description: Ipswich's Stephen Burton suffered a straight-sets defeat to Alexander Merkx in the first round of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, with Suffolk superstar Ed Sheeran watching from the crowd.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, #article, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters**: Burton, ranked 64th in the PDC Order of Merit, was making just his second appearance at darts' biggest tournament after exiting in the first round in 2019 following a straight sets defeat to Ryan Searle.

![Stephen Burton after his loss to Ryan Searle in 2019](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1734706855-stephen-burton-1.jpg)

Burton after his loss to Ryan Searle in 2019 (Alamy)

**Match details**:

- Burton failed to win a single set in the 3-0 defeat and struggled with scoring throughout
- Merkx, who himelf didn't play brilliantly, progresses to face Chris Dobey in round two

**The background**: Burton, 36, known as 'Bertie' on the circuit, qualified for the tournament through the Pro Tour Order of Merit. He combines his professional darts career with work as a self-employed window cleaner in Ipswich.

He entered the match as the bookmaker's favourite but just couldn't get going.

**Star support**: Global music star Ed Sheeran was among the Alexandra Palace crowd watching his fellow local.

**Bottom line**: Despite the disappointing result, Burton's qualification for darts' premier event represents progress for the former Debenham High School pupil, who first earned his PDC Tour Card in 2017.

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