We’ve asked pundit and former Lakeside champion Mark Webster to pick the matches you shouldn’t miss at the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, including showdowns featuring Beau Greaves and Fallon Sherrock.
This year’s expanded £5m tournament features 128 players, with Round One played across nine days from December 11-19 at London’s Alexandra Palace. The draw has produced a host of intriguing early ties; here are Webster’s highlights.
Ricky Evans vs Man Lok Leung – Friday, December 12 from 7pm
This should be a lively, fast-paced game. Ricky can raise his levels for big nights and tends to find form at the Worlds; he needs to start converting those chances. Webster tips Ricky to come through if he can find consistency.
Gian van Veen vs Cristo Reyes – Friday, December 12 from 7pm
Webster likes the storyline here — Cristo’s comeback is compelling and Gian, despite never having won at Ally Pally, has the game to change that this year. Having claimed a major, Gian could be primed for a deep run and Webster thinks this is a match to watch.
Andrew Gilding vs Cam Crabtree – Saturday, December 13 from 12.30pm
Cameron impressed at the Grand Slam, but Webster expects Andrew Gilding’s experience to edge this contest. It could be awkward, but he fancies Gilding to advance.
Cameron Menzies vs Charlie Manby – Monday, December 15 from 12.30pm
Charlie has produced big averages to earn this spot, but Webster believes Menzies’ growth and composure over the year will give him the edge. He predicts Menzies will find a way and possibly progress through a few rounds.
Dirk van Duijvenbode vs Andy Baetens – Monday, December 15 from 7pm
Baetens is a top Belgian performer and a former WDF World Champion, but Webster feels we haven’t seen him enough on the biggest stages. Dirk’s Ally Pally pedigree suggests he can handle the threat, though it may be a tough match.
Connor Scutt vs Simon Whitlock – Monday, December 15 from 7pm
It’s great to see Whitlock back at Ally Pally after missing last year. Webster expects a tight match but thinks Scutt might have just enough to win, while acknowledging Whitlock’s compelling return story.
Dave Chisnall vs Fallon Sherrock – Thursday, December 18 from 7pm
Webster notes both players have had struggles this year. Despite questions over Chisnall’s form and Sherrock not hitting top form away from the oche, he expects Dave to be too strong and to progress.
Beau Greaves vs Daryl Gurney – Friday, December 19 from 7pm
This is the draw many seeds would have preferred to avoid. Webster predicts Beau can cause an upset, saying he thinks she will beat Gurney. He notes Gurney’s mixed recent form and suggests the matchup could favor Beau.
Sky Sports will again broadcast the Premier League, World Cup of Darts, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and World Darts Championship, with streaming options available for viewers.