From Beau Greaves to Fallon Sherlock, pundit Mark Webster picks the must-see matches at the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
This year’s tournament featured some interesting contests, following the largest and best-ever world championship draw.
Following the expansion of this year’s £5 million tournament, the first round will be held over nine days from December 11 to 19, with all 128 players taking part in a darts feast at London’s Alexandra Palace.
Round 1 featured some great matches. That’s why we asked our star and former Lakeside Champion ‘Webby’ to tell us about the most must-see games.
Ricky Evans vs. Man Lok Leung – Friday, December 12th at 7pm
This is going to be a great match, good pace. I like the look of this match, but it’s a match that Ricky has to start winning.
He’s coming up for big games, but he’s finding his consistency. He seems to have found his groove at the World Championships, so I’m encouraging Ricky to get through this tournament.
Jan Van Veen vs. Cristo Reyes – Friday, December 12th at 7:00 p.m.
I really like this game just for the story! I’m happy to have Crist back…I love players who dig themselves out of a hole and come back.
Gian has never won the Ally Pally stage, but I think things will change this year and he could make a deep run.
He’s currently winning a major, but it would be nice to see him at the tail end of the World Championship.
Andrew Gilding vs Cam Crabtree – Saturday December 13th, 12:30pm
Cameron was really impressive with the Darts Grand Slam, but I still think Andrew is a little too much.
It could be a tricky contest, but I believe Gilding will get through this match.
Cameron Menzies vs Charlie Manby – Monday 15th December, 12.30pm
Cameron was a little restless at times, but Charlie had big averages and played really well.
Cameron is a good player, Charlie is an exciting player and he’s just been here and he’s performed well, but I believe Menzies will find a way. He might be able to get through a few rounds.
Menzies has improved as a player this year and I think he can have a decent tournament.
Dirk van Duijvenbode vs Andy Baetens – Monday, December 15th, 7pm
I really like this game! Belgian star Baetens is a top performer and qualified for the Masters earlier this year.
He won the 2023 WDF World Championship, but I don’t think we’ve seen enough of him on the big stage yet. That’s why I think Dirk will deal with the threat, but it might be a training thing for him.
Connor Scutt vs Simon Whitlock – Monday December 15th from 7pm
I’m so happy that Simon made it through – I think everyone was too! It was no surprise that he won his first Australian Premier League, even if he hadn’t qualified for Ally Pally. It’s great to have him back.
It’s going to be a tough match, but Scutt will win the match by a little margin, but Whitlock is a great story.
Dave Chisnall vs Fallon Sherlock – Thursday December 18th from 7pm
I know Dave isn’t playing well, but I don’t think Fallon has pulled up any trees this year either. She has been struggling to stay away from the board, but I think Dave is too good.
Everyone is looking at him as a troubled seed, but I believe he will find a way to get past Fallon.
Beau Greaves vs Darryl Gurney – Friday December 19th from 7pm
This is what everyone wanted to avoid…I think Bo will beat him!
I don’t think Darryl would like a draw, and like many seeded players, he reportedly said he didn’t want to play with Bo.
Darryl did well at the Players Championship, but his darts didn’t land well at the Grand Slam.
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