We’re heading into the final of the World Darts Championship between Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, so why are so many seeds rolling in at Ally Pally?
Pre-tournament predictions were that it would be a battle of the Rooks in the final as Littler and Humphries continue to dominate the sport.
And nothing happened in the first two rounds to suggest anything different.
Littler didn’t need to get out of first gear in wins over Darius Rabanaskas and David Davis, while Humphries looked just as impressive in wins over Ted Ebbets and Paul Lim.
There are bigger challenges ahead, but both players have the ability to improve, and it would take courage to predict that anyone other than Littler or Humphries will hoist the Sid Waddell Trophy on January 3rd.
The tournament’s new format, in which seeded players are no longer allowed byes in the second round, means many big names will disappear before Christmas.
Former champions Gerwyn Price, Peter Wright and Michael Smith were all eliminated in the second round, leaving sixth seed Danny Knoppert the highest placed.
Seventh-seeded Chris Dobie and eighth-seeded James Wade also lost in the second round, but the top seed to fall at the first hurdle was 12th-seeded Ross Smith.
Michael van Gerwen remains at the top of the sport and a contender for the title.
He has his own theory as to why a record number of seeds are losing. “I always say the world championships are different. You have to prepare really well to make sure you do damage here,” the Dutchman said.
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Highlights of the meeting between Mr. Humphries and Mr. Paul Lim
Mardle: Don’t exclude MVG
Michael van Gerwen builds muscle to power his third round of the World Championship against William O’Connor
Sky Sports’ Wayne Mardle did not rule out back-to-back champions Anderson and three-time winner Van Gerwen, admitting it would be “short-sighted” to rule out another upset in a tournament where 17th seeds have already been eliminated.
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Van Gerwen checked out 121 and 127 in consecutive legs with William O’Connor at Ally Pally
“I don’t think it’s just Luke Humphries[being able to stop Luke Littler]. I think it’s really short-sighted for anyone to look at what we’ve already seen at this world championship and say, ‘No, that can’t happen,'” said the four-time world championship semifinalist from Behind the Osh.
“We’ve seen Wesley Plazier do a number with Gerwyn Price, we’ve seen Gabriel Clemens do a number with Wessel Nyman in a sense.
“There are some things in life you just can’t do, like beat Gary Anderson by playing poorly. To beat Michael van Gerwen, you have to be world class on stage.”
“If they lose, it’s going to take a great performance to beat them. Michael van Gerwen comes into the final here when he’s not at his best, so I wouldn’t rule it out.”
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Littler takes on his great rival, Humphries, in a captivating Beat the Clock challenge!
World Darts Championship: 3rd round draw
upper half
Luke Littler vs. Mensur Suljovic Damon Heta vs. Rob CrossAndrew Gilding vs. Luke WoodhouseWesley Prezier vs. Krzysztof RatajskiStephen Bunting vs. James HarrellMartin Schindler vs. Ryan SearleJohnny Clayton vs. Niels SonnefeldAndreas Harrison vs. Ricardo Pitrezko
lower half
Luke Humphries vs Gabriel ClemenceNathan Upsinal vs Kevin DoetsRicky Evans vs Charlie MunbyJean van Veen vs Madas RazmaMichael van Gerwen vs Arno MerckGary Anderson vs Jermaine WattimenaJustin Hood vs Ryan MeikleJosh Locke vs Callan Rydes
Favorites, classic players and future stars
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Take a look at all 170 finishing hits at the World Championships so far…
Three-time world champion John Peart was delighted to see great performances from strong favorites, veterans and rising stars.
“A lot of players don’t see their chances as something that threatens them, they see them as real opportunities. It’s almost like they’re rallying around the underdogs,” the Canadian said.
“When one side wins, it inspires the other side… It’s like falling dominoes! But we still saw some really great fightbacks.
“Some players survived, some didn’t, but we still have a great tournament ahead of us. The format looked long, but it can be very short at times. There will be more numbers after Christmas, so there will be more security and the favorites will have some relief.”
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Highlights of the match between Littler and Welshman David Davis
Peart supports Littler to retain the title, but feels there is enough talent left in the tournament to trouble “The Nuke.”
“Littler is not invincible, but he is certainly able to make the most of his skills and put himself in the right position, because when he gets into trouble, he can get out of it. He can focus on a lot of adversity, but it is the biggest stage in darts.”
“Everyone is vulnerable to things snowballing out of control. You have to be really professional and do your job.”
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match live exclusively on Sky Sports’ dedicated darts channel (Sky channel 407 from 10 December on Sky Channel 407) until 3 January. Stream darts and other top sports now.
