📰 Table Of Contents
The Main Event
Luke Littler returns to the Alexandra Palace stage tonight with his chances of claiming a maiden World Darts Championship enhanced following Luke Humphries’ stunning exit.
Humphries was thrashed 4-1 by Peter Wright last night, opening up Littler’s section with the pair having been scheduled to meet in the semi-finals.
Littler will have to get past Ryan Joyce in their fourth-round clash before contemplating a route to the final on Friday, however.
Photos say it all🙌🏼 feels good to get the win and be in the next round, see you on Monday❤️🎯 pic.twitter.com/hiOheEPlO6
— Luke Littler (@LukeTheNuke180) December 29, 2024
The 39-year-old from Newcastle beat Ryan Searle in a final-set decider in the third round but admitted he would be in trouble if Littler plays to his full potential.
He said: “I’ll go into the game thinking I can win the match, but I’ll also feel like I’m the underdog to win. We’ve seen in sport so many times that the favourite doesn’t always win, otherwise it would be boring to watch wouldn’t it?
“If Luke Littler plays at his absolute top level, he can beat anybody and he will brush me aside comfortably.”
Littler was surprised by his opponent’s downbeat assessment, saying: “Didn’t know he said that.
“If that’s what he’s thinking it’s not really good for his game.”
Littler struggled during his opening win at the Ally Pally before a stunning final set saw him past Ryan Meikle but he looked more composed in the win over Ian White.
The 17-year-old will follow Michael van Gerwen on to the stage tonight with the Dutchman taking on Jeffrey de Graaf.
Van Gerwen beat Brendan Dolan last time out but was underwhelmed with his performance, especially in the latter stages.
He said: “I think the fifth set was absolute c***. And you’re not allowed to do that. Especially against Brendan, he’s like a fighter he never gives up, and you don’t want to put yourself in trouble but I nearly did.”
Another 𝐰𝐢𝐧 in the bag! 💚🎯 The journey continues – on to the last 16! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/pD0QDzYoJ4
— Michael Van Gerwen (@MvG180) December 28, 2024
The evening session opens with an interesting clash between Stephen Bunting and Luke Woodhouse.
Two more Tynesiders take to the oche in the afternoon session with Chris Dobey facing Kevin Doets and Callan Rydz meeting Rob Owen.
Order of Play
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
Kevin Doets v Chris Dobey
Rob Owen v Callan Rydz
Ricardo Pietreczko v Nathan Aspinall
Evening Session (1900 GMT)
Stephen Bunting v Luke Woodhouse
Michael van Gerwen v Jeffrey de Graaf
Luke Littler v Ryan Joyce
How to watch
The PDC World Championship is being screened on Sky Sports in the UK.
You can watch the afternoon session on Sky Sports Darts and Main Event from 1230 GMT. The evening session is on Sky Sports Darts from 1900.
Predictions
Joyce could be a tricky opponent for Littler. He has nothing to lose, as he admits himself, and a carefree approach may prove productive against the tournament favourite, upon who expectation will only grow following Humphries’ exit.
It’s hard to imagine Littler losing but expect Joyce to claim a couple of sets and to push the teenager, who bar odd flashes has struggled to hit top form so far in this tournament.
Van Gerwen is now Littler’s biggest threat and he ought to ease past De Graaf with minimal fuss.
In an event of close matches, there could be another first up in the evening session but we’re going with Bunting to edge it against Woodhouse.
The matches in the afternoon look a little easier to predict. We’re going with wins for Dobey and Rydz with Aspinall finding a way past Pietreczko.
